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CHARACTERS IX THE STORY. 



MY“PARDNER”ANDI 

((Bras IRochs) 

A STORY OF THE MIDDLE-WEST 

5 

BY 

Willis George Emerson 


Beneath yon rocky peak that hides 
In fleecy clouds its snow-flecked crest; 
Beneath those crimson crags abides 
The fairest queen of all the West.*' 


ILLUSTRATED 


iINPVJTRIAA 

3C/^PERCRE5CAM 



Chicago 

LAIRD & LEE. Publishers 




PREFACE. 


The breaking of a twig in some vast forest^ or the dull echo 
of a miner'^s pick in a rugged mountain canon^ alike suggest 
the solitude of Naticre. The unwritten history of mining pros- 
pectors who search for yellow gold, or the advance guards of 
our civilization in the rich valleys of the West, are replete with 
interest and dramatic incident. The ^^boom'^ town builder also 
plays a most conspicuous part in this unwritten drama. 

There are no frayed-out remnants of a former greatness to 
be found on the frontier. A man sells for his intritisic worth, 
— no more, no less. Conditions that made mert great in former 
generations are here active, and develop manhood in its highest 
form. 

There is hardly a cross-road hamlet without its hotel, afid 
usually a **Dick Ballard'^^ presides. '‘^Brainy men,"" such as 
composed the Waterville Town Company, may be found wherever 
a new town is building, while a Rufus Grim"" is usually the 
autocrat of the mining camp. 

The old Colonel"" represents a class of sturdy miners whose 
untiring labor occasionally gives to the world the goldeii keys 
of some fabulously rich discovery; while the greater number 
dedicate their lives to a fruitless search for hidden treasures, 
and finally die of disappohitment and a broken heart. 

** Louise,"" in her unswervitig devotion to her father, is a 
specimeft of superior womanhood whose duplicate may be found 
in many a ra7ichman"s home throughout the 7iestling valleys of 
our great West. 

' Sometimes I imagine I was with Arthur Boast"" hi his 
hiding place when he wrote that last letter and saw the spectral 
ghost that ever kept him company. The retributioti perhaps was 
just, yet my sympathy lingers around the old prospect shaft. 

Ma?iy of my readers will doubtless desire to express their 
criticism of GRA Y ROCKS. Nothing will afford me more 
pleasure than to receive just criticisms, for it will at least enable 
me to escape shnilar errors in other stories that I am now engaged 
in writing. 


Sincerely, 

WILLIS GEORGE EMERSON. 


ELM REST, August 29, 1894. 

No. 1363 Central Park Boulevard, 
Chicago. 



‘ '-V ' •' . - * 





Partial List of Illustrations 


Chapter. 


Page 


I. 

II. 

III. 

IV. 
Y. 

VI. 

VII. 

VIII. 

IX. 

X. 

XI. 


XII. 

XIII. 

XIV. 


XV. 


XVI. 


XVII. 


The Mr. Gilder for Whom I am Looking is a Much 

Older Gentleman 14 

He Clasped Vance’s Hand Warmly 21 

A Letter Was Handed to Him 30 

My Salary Has Been Kaised 37 

Hello, Pardner! How D’Ye Do ? 41 

He Offered Vance Some Havanas, 50 

This ’ere Town is Comin’ Out of the Kinks in Fine 

Shape 00 

He Forgot Time, 08 


I Am Going to Give Him a Piece of My Mind, ... 7(> 

Vance Turned and Saw J. Arthur Boast, .... 82 

“ You’re the Young Man, I Reckon,” Said Grim, “From 

New York,” 87 

Don’t You Think I Am Horrid to Go on Talking this 

Way TO You? 90 

The Stage Ride ^ . . . . 108 

Gentlemen, We Have Again Met to Deliberate Upon 

the Destiny of Waterville! 114 

Vance Was Presented to Miss Virginia Bonifield, . 124 
We Have Cross-cut Into Whar’ the Vein Ought to 
Be, But It Isn’t Thar’, Suh 13.'> 

“Lost Your Position?” Said Louise, with Unmis- 
takable Concern . , . 14*3 


Page. 


Chapter. 

XVIII. Vance Handed Marcus Donald a Copy or the 

Banner, 151 

XIX. They Are the Brainiest Lot of Men This Country 

Has Ever Produced 102 


XX. They Started Pell-mell Down the Mountain Hoad, 171 
XXL You Will Not Be Angry With Father, Will You? . 17‘.) 
XXII. There Are Times, Suh, When It’s Necessary for Me 


TO Put My Foot Down 180 

XXIII. ‘’Yes,” Whispered Bertha, “ I Love You So Much, . 207 

XXIV. A Dark Form Crouched Near, 215 

XXV, Where Is the Powdeh ? 228 

XXVI. A Guilty Conscience Needs No Accuser 230 

XXVII. Such Tendeh and Sacred Things of Earth Are 

Sanctified in Heaven 253 


CONTENTS 


Chapter. Page. 

I. Vance Gildek 11 

II. The Old Miner, 18 

III. The Banner F.orce, 2G 

lY. A Supper Party, 33 

Y. An Odd Character 40 

YI. The Toavn Boomer 47 

YII. A Visit to Waterville, 56 

YIII. At the Mine 63 

IX. The Stage Driver, 70 

X. Property Has Gone Up 78 

XI. Owner of the Peacock Mine, . . . . .... 86 

XII. Trout Fishing 04 

XIY. The Town Company’s Meeting, 103 

XY. Miss Virginia Bonifield Ill 

XYI. The Old Colonel’s Disappointment, . . . , . . .133 

XVII. An Awakening 140 

XYIII. Vance Returns to Waterville 148 

XIX. The Indignation Meeting, 158 

XX. The Stage is Bobbed 168 

XXI. Reaching the 400 Foot Level 177 

XXII. Starting the Boom, 187 

XXIII. Rufus Grim’s Ambition, 100 

XXIV. The Golden Mausoleum 200 

XXV. Cross-Cutting in the Mine, 218 

XXVI. A Startling Editorial 23 1 

XXVII. At Last! 244 













GRAY ROCKS. 


CHAPTER I. 

VANCE GIIvDER. 


ANCE GILDER had an ambi- 
tion. It was to be a great 
journalist. 

The sunshine that gleamed 
in at his western windows dis- 
closed most luxurious apart- 
ments — indicating refinement 
and culture. The bric-a-brac; 
the leathern walls stamped with 
gilt; the frieze of palm-leaves; 
the chandelier; the richly carved book-case, filled with 
tawny-covered volumes; the upright piano, and a guitar 
which stood sentinel-like in a retired corner; together 
with India rugs and tiger skins on the floor before an 
open grate, half hidden by a large Japanese fan — bespoke 
wealth as well as refined taste. 

vSeated at an open escritoire with writing materials be- 
fore him, on the evening of a June day, was Vance Gilder. 

He was not more than twenty-five, of medium height, 
dark brown hair, soft and wavy as the silk of Indian corn, 
large brown eyes, a clear complexion, an aquiline nose^ 



12 


GRA Y ROCKS. 


and a rather heavy, dark moustache, which in part hid 
a well-formed mouth. 

Before him lay numerous packages of papers, but they 
were not claiming his attention. He was perusing a billet- 
doux written in a lady’s hand. 

There was a refinement and gentleness in his face, 
while his dress and surroundings indicated a serious ele- 
gance, rich but unaffected. 

“Who can she be?’’ was the exclamation that escaped 
him as he again read the letter which he 
held in his hand. 

Tossing it down, he walked back and 
forth across the room with measured 
strides. 

Stopping before the mantel, he lighted 
a cigar. “ lyouise Bonifield,” he ejacu- 
lated, between puffs of smoke, which he 
blew away in rings toward the ceiling, 
‘ ‘where have I met her? Where have I 
seen that name?’’ 

Walking back to the escritoire, he took up the letter 
and read aloud : 



Vf 

Who is she ? 


Murray Hiuu Hoteu, June i8. 

Kind Sir: 

Father and I arrived in the city last night. He wishes me to 
call on you at three o’clock this afternoon; business of special 
importance to himself. 

Respectfully, 

To Vance Gieder, Esq. TOUISB BONIFIELD. 


“No,’’ he said aloud, “I do not remember Miss Louise 
Bonifield. It is doubtless very stupid of me, and all that, 
but if ever I even heard the name before, it certainly has 


GRA Y ROCKS. 


13 


passed from my memor3^ She says three o’clock,” and 
glancing at the French time-piece which helped to make 
up the furniture of his room, he saw it was preparing to 
strike the hour of three. 

Scarcely had the sound of the mellow cathedral bell 
died away, when the door-bell clanged out like a harsh 
echo of the clock’s last stroke. The servant brought in a 
card bearing the name of ‘‘Louise Bonifield, ’ and re- 
ceived instructions to admit the visitor at once. 

The rustling of skirts was soon heard in the hallway. 

The half-hesitation of the visitor as she stood 
in the open door might have suggested 
momentary confusion, but reassurance 
seemed to assert itself as she complied with 
the melodious invitation of Vance Gilder to 
enter and be seated. 

This vision of loveliness that entered the 
bachelor apartments of Vance Gilder might 
have been eighteen years old, but certainly 
no more. In stature she was of medium 
height, rather slender, and sustained herself 
with the deportment of a queen. 

She accepted the profFe;-ed chair and raised to Vance’s 
face a pair of laughing blue eyes that might be danger- 
ous. The parting of her rosy lips displayed her ivory 
teeth to advantage, while her evident embarrassment 
tinged with pink her beautiful cheeks. 

‘‘I called,” she stammered, ‘‘to see Mr. Vance Gilder.” 

‘‘At your service,” he replied, bowing low. 

‘‘But really, sir, are you Mr. Gilder?” 

‘‘I believe,” he replied, ‘‘that I enjoy the doubtful 
honor of that appellation/^ 



His visitor. 


14 


GRA Y ROCKS. 


“It must be,” she faltered, with increasing embarrass- 
ment, “alia mistake.” 



‘‘The [Mr. Gilder for whom I am looking is a much older gentleman.” 


Vance Gilder, with all his boasted matter-of-fact prin- ' 
ciples, was wonderfully interested in his fair visitor. She 
evidently was a stranger in the city, or a skilled actress. 
In referring to her afterwards, he spoke of her as a “dream 
of loveliness.” 

He was too chivalrous to permit his visitor’s embar- 
rassment to increase if he could help it, and quickly 


GRA Y ROCKS. 


lo 


assured her that it was not a very serious mistake, and 
asked in what way he could serve her, at the same time 
saying he regretted exceedingly that he did not answer 
the description of the Vance Gilder for whom she was 
seeking. 

“The Mr. Gilder for whom I am looking,” said his 
fair visitor, “is a much older gentleman than you. He 
visited father some three years ago, at Gold Bluff, Idaho, 
and owns an interest in Gray Rocks, my father’s 
mine. My father is very anxious to meet Mr. Gilder.; in 
fact, we have come all the way from Idaho expressly for 
that purpose. He would have called in person, but was 
taken ill la.st evening — so ill, indeed, that we found it 
necessary to summon a physician. We are stopping at 
the Murray Hill Hotel. I fear my father will be greatly 
disappointed.” 

A shade of sadness stole over the usually buoyant face 
of Vance Gilder. 

“I think I understand,” said he. “I bear the name 
of my father, who, after spending several months in the 
mining districts of Idaho, went to California, where he 
remained over a year, endeavoring to regain his health. 
He returned home a little less than two years ago and 
died within two months after his arrival. 

‘ ‘ As his living representative, and in honor of his 
memory,” said he, with feeling, “if there is any way in 
which he could have served you^r your father, had he 
lived, I will volunteer, to the extent of my ability, to act 
in his stead.” 

“It certainly is very kind of you,” she replied, “but I 
am distressed at this intelligence, and know my father will 
be also. We learned to think a great deal of Mr. Gilder 


16 


GI^A y ROCKS. 


during his few months’ stay at Gold Bluff. You can cer- 
tainly do my father a great service by calling on him.” 

“I shall take great pleasure,” said Vance, in his earn- 
est way, “in doing so. I am employed on the Ticinnef, 
and my duties will prevent me calling before tomorrow at 
ten o’clock, but at that hour, tell your father he may 
expect me.” 

She had risen while he was speaking, and with a face 
full of sympathy and kindness, thanked liim for his prom- 
ise;* and before he realized what was transpiring, the hall 
door closed and she was gone. 

The house from which she had taken her leave was one 
of the best overlooking Central Park, in New York City. 
Vance Gilder, the elder, was a man of great determination 
of character, and had accumulated a fortune while yet in 
the prime of life. He built for himself this house. It 
was surrounded by elegantly kept gardens and velvet 
lawns. 

He retired from business late in the ’60’s, intending to 
devote himself to his wife and only son, then a mere child, 
and his library. Scarcely a year of such enjoyment was 
allowed him before his wife sickened and died, leaving 
him his son and his fortune. It was hardly more than 
natural that he should lavish a great deal of attention and 
wealth upon his child. 

As his son grew to manhood, his father discovered a 
recklessness and extravagance which was sadly at vari- 
ance with those economic principles which he himself had 
so studiously practiced. Vance stood fairly well in his 
classes, and after graduating at Princeton, went abroad, 
visiting the principal cities of Europe, and spending 
money in such a lavish way that at the expiration of a 


C/^AV ROCKS, 


17 


year his father summoned him home and remonstrated 
with him severely on his manner of living and his ex- 
pensive habits. 

Piqued at the rebuke, he quarreled with his father, and 
started out to make his way in the world alone. The 
estrangement was of short duration, however, and soon 
after the reconciliation he secured a position on the Ban- 
iter, and assiduously devoted himself to the study of 
journalism. He gave up his follies and fast living, and 
found more enjoyment in his work on the Banner Xhoxi he 
had ever found in swell dinners and midnight carousals 
at his club. 


2 


CHAPTER II. 


THE OED MINER. 

ROOM in which we have introduced 
Vance Gilder to the reader, in the home 
overlooking Central Park, had been his 
from childhood, and furnished by his 
father in its present luxurious style, as a 
reward for his devotion to the profession 
of journalism. 

His father had invested his income in 
real estate, and in the lapse of years 
found himself possessed of a fortune many times greater 
than he had ever anticipated. He traveled a great deal 
over the west, and at Gold Bluff, Idaho, he found in Ben 
Bonifield, the owner of Gray Rocks, a playmate of his 
youth. 

Ben Bonifield had staked out a claim which he called 
“Gray Rocks,” and had. worked away for several years 
with pick and shovel, believing that some day he would 
“strike it rich” — and from the output of other mining 
properties in that vicinity, it seemed as if his expectations 
might be realized some day. 

He deeded a half interest in his mine to the elder 
Gilder, in consideration of certain moneys advanced him 
to develop the property. This one investment was the 
only one that Mr. Gilder ever made outside of New York 



18 


GRA V ROCKS. 


19 


City, and it is quite probable that in making this one it 
was not so much an investment as a desire to assist his 
boyhood’s friend. The deed which Ben Bonifield gave 
had been duly recorded, but in his travels on the Pacific 
coast he had in some way mislaid it, and on his return to 
New York City he had died without ever having men- 
tioned the matter to his son. When his father died, 
Vance was bowed down with grief, while the old Scotch 
house- keeper and her husband could not have mourned 
more sincerely had the elder Gilder been related by the 
nearest ties of blood. 

Vance found his father had not only left a fortune, but 
also a will. The date of this instrument showed that it 
was executed during the months of their estrangement, 
and had never been changed. The important part of the 
will, for this narrative, was a clause limiting Vance to an 
annuity of $5,000, provided he remained at the old home- 
stead and gave employment and a home to the Scotch 
house-keeper and her husband; but the title to the vast 
property which he owned was not to pass into his custody 
until he was forty years of age. 

To the credit of the son, it can be said that he enter- 
tained no enmity towards his father because of this pro- 
vision, but regarded it as simple justice. In the mean- 
time, he devoted himself with more energy than ever to 
his profession, was economical in his habits, and had the 
consolation of knowing that he was being advanced from 
time to time on the Banner, until he was now regarded as 
one of the most trusted men on that great journal. 

To be a member of the "Banner staff of newsgatherers 
was a position to be envied by those similarly employed 
on less imposing journals. His associates — the city 


20 


GJ^A V ROCKS. 


editor, the religious editor, the dramatic critic, the police 
reporter, and the heads of several other departments — 
were in the habit of discussing the topics of the times from 
a strictly democratic standpoint, with the regularity with 
which day follows night. 

The ‘'old man,” or managing editor, could not take a 
deeper interest in the columns of the Banner than did his 
faithful coterie of assistants. The managing editor prided 
himself on his ability to recognize and command intel- 
lectual forces. 

With the breaking of the dawn anew paper, filled with 
news deftly gathered from the four corners of the earth, 
was ushered into life, teeming with the world’s history of 
a day, to be discussed by the banker, the politician, and 
the professional and non-professional classes over the 
breakfast- table. Each issue was a daily history possess- 
ing a soul and character distinctly its own, which collect- 
ively made up the policy of one of the greatest journals of 
New York City. Before high noon of each day a news- 
paper has generally served its purpose — dies; is a thing 
of the past, and the record of events found in its columns 
becomes ancient history. 

The following morning at ten o’clock, agreeable to his 
promise^ Vance Gilder was at the Murray Hill Hotel, and 
sent up his card to Ben Bonifield. Instead of receiving 
in his room, the old gentleman joined Vance in the lobby. 
He was a typical character — once seen, never forgotten. 
An old Virginian by birth and education, he still retained 
the courtly polish of one of the southern aristocracy, 
which many years of mining life had not been able to 
wholly destroy. In stature he was fully six feet, and 
rather portly; his oval face was smooth-shaven, save an 


GjRA V ROCKS, . 21 

iron-gray moustache. He wore his hair rather long, and 
the rim of his black felt hat was broad as a sombrero. 
His Prince Albert coat of broad-cloth was of old-time 
date, and suggested a revival of ancient gentility. 

“Glad to see yo’, suh; am delighted to meet a son of 
my old friend. Colonel Gilder.’’ 



He clasped Vance’s hand warmly, and his face was 
full of sympathy as he referred to the recent information 
he had received concerning Mr. Gilder’s death. They 




22 


GJ^A V ROCKS, 


soon found seats in a retired corner of the lobby, and after 
assuring Vance that he had entirely recovered from his 
recent illness, the old gentleman plunged into business. 

“Yo’ know, of course, that yo’r father owned a one- 
half interest in Gray Rocks?” 

“No, I was not aware of the fact until your daughter 
named it to me yesterday,” replied Vance. 

“Yo’ su’prise me, suh, yo’ really do,” said the old 
miner, “but it is true, nevertheless, and the deed is on 
record; and what is mo’, suh, Gray Rocks is destined to 
be the richest gold mine in Idaho. Yo’ see, I have been 
workin’ away on Gray Rocks for seven years — kep’ right 
at it, winter an’ summer, and while I have not ‘struck it’ 
yet, I am positive, suh, that if I had a little mo’ money 
to push the work, my most sanguine expectations would 
be mo’ than re’lized. We are now on the 200 foot level, 
but it seems, suh, it is not deep enough. A most won- 
derful showin’, in my opinion, suh, will be made when 
the 300 foot level is reached, and we have cross-cut into 
the vein.” 

“lam not very well versed in regard to mining, in 
fact know next to nothing about it, but of course, as I am 
a half owner in a gold mine, I am naturally interested in 
having it developed. ’ ’ 

“Well, suh,” said the old gentleman, “yo’ see I am. 
I know all about mines. Yes, suh, I assure yo, on my 
honor, that I can tell ^pay dirt’ as far as I can see it, suh, 
if I am sixty-five years old, Yo’ see, suh,” continued 
the old miner, ‘ ‘let us suppose this table is the top of the 
mountain. Now, where I place this ink-stand, is Gray 
Rocks; just beyond, here where I lay this pen-stalk, is the 
Peacock mine. It joins us directly on the nawth. The 


GJ^A V ROCKS, 


23 



/ can tell ‘ pay dirt. ’ 


Excelsior is at this point, where I lay my eye-glasses, 
directly south of Gray Rocks. Both of them, suh, are 
payin’ immense dividends, and befo’ a year, with proper 
management, Gray Rocks will be doin’ the same. 

“What we must do, suh, is to sink 
the shaft on Gray Rocks to a 300 foot 
level, and we will cross-cut into a vein 
of wealth, suh, that will make yo’ rich 
as a Vanterbilt. Yes, suh ; take my 
word fo’ it. Now,” he continued, 
“there is old Grim; he owns a ma- 
jo’ity of the stock in the Peacock, and 
he wanted to buy out Gray Rocks, but 
when he learned, suh, that I only had 
a half interest, he refused to talk with me any mo’ about 
it. He said he wanted all or none. Confidentially, Mr. 
Gilder, I consider old Grim the most ill-mannered man in 
the Fish River minin’ district, and us miners, suh, usually 
form a pretty correct idea of mankind in gene’l. I have 
been minin’ it now fo’ over thirty years, and while I have 
never ‘struck it’ yet, I assure yo’ on my word, suh, that I 
have mo’ confidence in Gray Rocks to-day than ever befo’. ” 
“ Of course. Col. Bonifield,’’ .said Vance, “I know 
nothing about your technical expressions of ‘ sinking 
shafts,’ ‘ cross-cutting, ’ and all that sort of thing, but I 
remember now of my father .speaking of you on several 
occasions, and I doubt not, if he were living, he would 
gladly assist you in any way in his power. Personally, 
my means are limited, but if your wants are not too great, 
I will gladly give 3^ou my assistance.’’ 

“ Give me yo’re hand, suh! Why, Mr. Gilder, 3^0’re a 
gentleman that I’m proud to meet, suh. A Gilder, suh, 


24 


G/^A V ROCKS, 


of the old school, belonging to one of the oldest and 
proudest families of Virginia — yes, suh. Now, you have 
a half interest in Gray Rocks, and if yo’ can furnish the 
money, Mr. Gilder, to sink the shaft to the 300 foot level, 
I will go back to Gold Bluff and immediately commence 
the work — and mind, Mr. Gilder, I give 3^0’ my word 
that yo’ will never lose a dollar; no, suh. Gray Rocks is 
a sure winner. The claim is patented and our title is 
perfect; but we must do mo’, suh; we must sink our 
shaft, and it costs money to sink shafts, and a pow’ful 
sight of hard work into the bargain, suh. I came to New 
York especially to see 3^0’ re father and have him help me 
by advancin’ a little mo’ nione3\ He paid me $1,000, 
suh, fo’ a half interest in Gray Rocks. I told him, and I 
tell yo’ now, it will bring yo’ a million. Yes, suh, I 
pledge 3^0’ my word it will.” 

The old gentleman’s words, his enthusiasm, his south- 
ern courtliness, and his unmistakable belief in Gray 
Rocks, carried Vance quite away, in anticipation of his 
half-ownership in a gold mine. He mentally computed 
the amount of money he had in the bank, and felt that 
he would willingly check out his last half-dollar to sink 
the shaft on Gray Rocks to a 300 foot level. 

He had to his credit in the Chemical National Bank 
some fifteen thousand dollars, and finally ventured to ask 
about how much it would take to do the work. 

“Why, 3^0’ see, suh,” replied the old miner, “ the mo’ 
a fellow has, the quicker he can sink a shaft. Now, I 
could get along at present with, say $1,500, but $2,000 
would be betteh, and $2,500 would be a great plenty.” 

“Ver3^ well,” replied Vance, “I’ll advance you $2,500, 
and can bring it to you within a couple of hours.” 


GRA Y ROCKS. 


25 


The old gentleman was highly delighted with Vance’s 
ready acquiescence in the matter, and shook his hand 
warmly, assuring him that he was a very true Virginian. 
Taking his leave, he quitted the hotel, and in less than 
two hours paid to Col. Bonifield $2,500. 

The old gentleman was very urgent 
for Vance to remain and lunch with 
him. 

“My Louise, suh,’’ he said, “will 
be delighted to see yo’. Now, suh, 
there’s one girl in a thousand. I call 
her a diamond in the rough, suh. 
vShe stays by the old man, and has just 
as much faith in the ultimate outcome 
of Gray Rocks as I have, I some- 
times think, suh, that I ought not to keep her away so 
far from civil’zation, so to speak, among the mountains; 
but she says, ‘We will wait until we strike it.’ I assure 
yo’, suh, she is a wonderful comfort to me.’’ 

Vance endeavored to persuade the old gentleman to 
bring his daughter and stop at his house for a few days, 
but the old miner explained that his stay could not be 
prolonged; that he was impatient to begin work on the 
mine, sinking the shaft to the 300 foot level, and then 
commence cross-cutting. He insisted that he must start 
for Gold Bluff by the evening train. 

Ascending to the ladies’ parlor, Vance waited until the 
old miner brought his daughter to bid him good-bye. As 
she came into the room on the arm of her stately father, 
Vance had hard work to convince himself that such a 
queenly girl as stood before him could have grown to such 
loveliness among the mountains of the northwest. 



CHAPTER III. 


THE BANNER FORCE. 

rREAT metropolitan journal like the 
Banner, has a tendency to swallow up 
individual characteristics in its own self- 
importance. A man may be ever so 
clever with his pen, and contribute the 
most readable articles day after day and 
year after year, and yet not one reader 
in ten thousand has any idea whose com- 
position he is perusing. 

Vance Gilder was only one of the force, and yet he was 
a favorite with his associates. He sometimes dreamed of 
promotion, and the time when he would be a correspond- 
ent of note, or possibly at the head of some important 
department on that great paper. Visions of special work 
which would call him not only to different parts of his 
own country, but to foreign parts as well, charmed him 
into contentment and renewed energy. 

Only once during his connection with the Banner had 
he made anything like a “hit.” He had on one solitary 
occasion succeeded in “scooping” the other New York 
journals in a most masterly manner. Indeed, to Vance 
belonged the credit of having completely humiliated the 
other dailies with an article under flaming headlines and 
double-leaded. As a compensation, he was sent for by 



26 


GRA y ROCKS, 


27 


the chief, and received that august person’s special 
thanks. This was a mark of distinction, for it was sel- 
dom that he paid compliments. On the other hand, if the 
work was not up to the standard, the staff generally heard 
from him in a \olley of profanity that caused them to 
doubt the permanency of their positions. 

On the night after Ben Bonfield started for Gold Bluff, 
Vance found himself thinking a great deal about Gray 
Rocks. To a young man of twenty-five, fifteen years 
seems a long time to wait for the possession of one’s 
property. There is a certain fascination about the idea 
of owning a gold mine, and this charm had taken pos- 
session of Vance to a degree far beyond that which he 
was willing to admit, and between the lines of copy, he 
speculated on the future and built many castles in the air. 

The half interest which his father owned in Gray Rocks 
had not been named in the will, and as Vance was his 
only heir, it naturally occurred to him that in case the old 
miner should “strike it rich,’’ he would find himself with 
a handsome competency long before his fortieth birthday. 

For the first time during the years of his connection 
with the tannery a feeling of dissatisfaction stole over 
him, and he was glad Colonel Bonfield had been so 
prompt in returning to Gold Bluff, for he felt the work of 
sinking the shaft on Gray Rocks should be commenced 
at the earliest possible moment. There was also a feeling 
of regret deep down in his heart that he had not had an 
opportunity to know more of the fair Louise, the remem- 
brance of whose laughing blue eyes and perfect freedom 
from affectation hovered near him with a distinctness that 
he had never before experienced with any of his young 
lady friends. 


28 


GRA Y ROCKS. 


He was in this state of mind when the police reporter 
came in and declared that he was disgusted with the 
scarcity of crime. 

“ I say, Vance,” said he, “it’s getting 
to be a pretty pass when a fellow has to 
rummage all over the city for a few 
crumbs of accidental .deaths, street 
brawls and shooting affairs.” Before 
Vance had time to reply, the religious 
ii editor commenced swearing about the 
uninteresting sermons he was compelled 
to write of late. 

The dramatic critic observed that he 
Tbe sporting editor, presuiiied Writing vsernions was a rather 
stupid business, but if the reading public could endure 
them, the religious editor ought to be able to, at $6o a week. 

The religious editor said, “By Gad! old boy, you’re 
about right,” and begged a cigarette of the dramatic 
critic, declaring that he did not know with whom he 
would rather smoke than a representative of the foot- 
lights. He then slapped Vance on the shoulder in a 
jocular way, and asked him what made him so quiet. 

“ Scoops are scarce,” replied Vance, without lifting his 
e3^es from the copy he was revising. 

“Scarce! ” chimed in the city editor, ‘ ‘ I should say so. 
We have not had such a thing as a ‘ scoop ’ about the 
office for six months. ’ ' 

‘ ‘ Journalism,” observed the dramatic critic, ‘ ‘ is, with- 
out question, the king of professions. Here we see life 
in its every phase.” 

“ I am beginning to think,” said Vance, “that journal- 
ism is a drudger}" without hope or reward.” 



GI^A V ROCKS. 


29 


‘ ‘You astonish me, ' ' replied the religious editor. ‘ ‘Why, 
Vance,” he continued, knocking the ashes from his 
cigarette, ‘ ‘a fellow with as bright a future in the profes- 
sion as you have, making such a remark as that, causes 
me to think you are growing cynical. Think of the 
opportunities which journalism affords.” 

‘‘What opportunities,” replied Vance, ‘‘have I, or you, 
or any other members of the staff, excepting those we 
have no right to take advantage* of ? I freely admit that 
there is a fascination about the profession of journalism; 
an influence, if you please, that holds us in the rut, much 
the same as the current of a mighty river — always draw- 
ing everything into the center where the current is swift- 
est — but the individuality of the most talented among us 
is completely lost in the great octopus that we are daily 
and nightly striving with our best efforts of brawn and 
brain to keep supplied with news. ’ ’ 

‘‘Bravo!” shouted the police reporter. ‘‘There is not 
an ordinary prize-fighter in the land but has more indi- 
vidual reputation than any of us. Vance is about right 
in his position.” 

At this juncture of their conversation, a note was 
handed to Vance. It was a polite request to report at the 
chiefs private room at ten o’clock the next morning. 
After hastily glancing over it, Vance read it aloud. 

‘‘I say, Vance, old boy, that’s a little rough; and still,” 
continued the religious editor, between vigorous puffs of 
his cigarette, ‘‘it may be a step up.” 

It was an open question with members of the force 
Vvdiether a formal summons into the presence of the chief, 
without any intimation of the nature of the interview, was 
a good omen or otherwise. 


30 


GkA y ROCKS. 


“Possibly,” responded Vance, “but I rather surmise it 
is a step oiit.” 



A note was handed Uance. 


“The evil is sufficient unto the day thereof,” observed 
the dramatic critic. “It is twelve o’clock, boys; let us 
adjourn to the ‘realm of pie,’ and there we will discuss 
the unlooked-for summons.” 

A half dozen as jolly young fellows as could be found 
anywhere, were soon seated in a private room at Thomp- 
son’s cafe, partaking of the reporter’s stereotyped lunch. 


GRA Y ROCKS, 


31 


As a result of their deliberations, there were many hope- 
ful expressions made for the benefit of Vance. There was 
an under-current, however, of unmistakable belief, which 
Vance was not slow to perceive and share, that his inter- 
view with the chief would not reiult satisfactorily. 

The dramatic critic soon drifted to the leeward of the 
question, and with almost forced vivaciousness recounted 
the latest hit of a jolly little soubrette dancer at Madison 
Square Gardens. His description was not only interest- 
ing, but a welcome diversion from the somber subject 
that might mean a separation of Vance from the staff. 
The religious editor took up the cue where the dramatic 
critic let go, and commenced swearing in newspaper par- 
lance about the unsatisfactory" work he was doing in his 
department. The police reporter came in for a descrip- 
tion of a “knock-out” he had witnessed in the Bowery, 
and for the edification of his associates, explained the 
difference between a “shoulder-strike” and an “under- 
cut.” 

On returning to their respective 
posts of duty, there was but little said, 
but it was noticeable that Vance was 
bid good night with more considera- 
tion than usual. 

As Vance hurried along toward the 
elevated road, his thoughts were again 
filled with that demure little Louise, 
a product of the great mountains of 
the west. With her had come a hope 
— perhaps only a visionary one — stimulated by the enthu- 
siasm of the old miner. He did not pause to analyze 



32 


GRA Y ROCKS. 


the sustaining hope which he experienced; he only knew 
that it took off the keen edge of anxiety which otherwise 
he would have felt concerning his coming interview 
with the chief. 


CHAPTER IV. 


A SUPPER PARTY. 

TEN O’CLOCK the following morning, 
Vance sent in his card to the chief, and 
was immediately admitted to his presence. 
“Good morning, Mr. Gilder.” 

“Good morning, sir,” was Vance’s • 
prompt reply. 

“I sent for you,” said the chief, as he 
industriously looked over a bundle of pa- 
pers on his desk, “lo discuss a matter I have had in mind 
for some time.” 

“Yes, sir,” was Vance’s laconic reply. 

The chief having found the paper he evidently had 
been searching for, motioned Vance to be seated, and ' 
turning to him, asked: 

“Have you ever traveled much in the west?” 

“Have never Ix^en west of Buffalo.” 

“Your work,” observed the chief, “has been very sat- 
i.sfactory — I may say, especially so— and it is the policy 
of the banner not only to reward those who have talent, 
but also to keep pace with the times, and give its readers 
reliable information upon all questions of moment and 
importance. The great Northwest has been opening up 
for the last half century. There have been booms and 
counter-booms out in that countiy, spasmodically, for 



3 


33 


34 


GNA y ROCKS. 


many years, and a great many fortunes liave been lost 
by ill-advised investors, but I am not personally familiar 
with anyone who has bettered his condition in western 
speculations. Just at the present lime the northwest is 
attracting, as you are doubtless aware, considerable atten- 
tion, and the effort to popularize it by the western press, 
seems unabating. Our eastern people, even some of the 
oldest families of New York, are becoming poisoned with 
the virus of western investments. My private opinion is 
that instead of receiving dividends on these holdings, they 
will lose principal and all. 

‘We want,” said he, “a level-headed correspondent in 
that western countr>\ Mark, I say level-headed, for the 
reason that not infrequently an eastern man, especially 
if he is unacquainted with the wonderland of the west, 
loses his head, figuratively speaking, and becomes won 
over by the fairy tales of prospective wealth, as told by 
the average real estate boomer. 

“You, Mr. Gilder,” said the chief, eying Vance with 
great directness, “have been selected for this important 
position of trust. I might,” he continued, as if it were 
an after-thought, “modify my remarks by saying there 
are some places in the west worthy of credence, possessing 
real merit; but in nine cases out of ten, the new towns 
that are springing up throughout the northwestern por- 
tion of the United States are, in my judgment, intangible 
as moonshine. In short, there is entirely too much capi- 
tal flowing from the east into those wildcat western spec- 
ulations, and we desire to give a series of letters descrip- 
tive of that country to the readers of the Banner, contain- 
ing the facts stripped of all allurement, and dissuade them 
from such unstable investments as are daily being made. 


GRA Y ROCKS. 


35 


“I deem,” continued the chief, “these few suggestions 
necessary for your good in governing the character of 
your correspondence from that western country to the 
columns of the Gamier, I shall expect you to be ready 
tomorrow evening, and start on the six o’clock train. As 
you will probably te away for some time, it would be 
well for you to arrange your private affairs accordingly. 
Call tomorrow at eleven o’clock, and I will have ready 
the necessary credentials, transports and instructions.” 

Vance bowed his acquiescence and 
turned to go, when the chief .said: 

“By the way, in.stead of $40 a week, 
your present salary, you will receive $60 
and expenses, which doubtle.ss will be 
satisfactor>\ ’ ’ 

Vance attempted to express his appre- 
ciation of the confidence that had been 
reposed in him, of so important an under- 
taking; but the chief waved him to 
silence and muttered something about “time being 
money,” and at once turned to other affairs that were 
awaiting his attention. 

That afternoon Vance was not found among the staff, 
and a new man occupied his chair. He called on Thomas 
Patten, Esq., the attorney who had represented the Gilder 
family for many years, and named in his father’s will as 
trustee, and explained to him his promotion, telling him he 
would start for the we.st the next evening. 

His old associates at the Hanner were asking questions 
of one another as to what had transpired between Vance 
and the chief, but no one seemed to know anything about 
it, except that a new man was on duty and Vance absent. 



The tnanaging editor. 


GRA Y ROCKS, 




At half past elev'en o’clock that night the dramatic critic 
hurried in from Ihe street and passed word around among 
the coterie that a surprise was waiting for them over at 
Thompson’s cafe. Thompson’s is, and has Ix^en for many 
years, a favorite resort for newspaper men. Vance Gilder 
was well known to the manager as a member of the Han- 
tier staff, and when that afternoon he requested that a 
lunch something better than the ordinary be prepared, he 
was assured that everything would be in readiness. 

The dramatic critic ushered his associates into a private 
room precisely at twelve o’clock. Vance was in waiting, 
and a warm greeting was exchanged. The religious 
editor declared that he believed a conspiracy of gigantic 
proportions had been laid to entrap the meek and lowly, 
but, nevertheless, he took his place with alacrity at the 
table to enjoy the modest but excellent feast prepared for 
the occasion. 

A few bottles of rare old wine. added interest to the sur- 
prise which Vance had so cleverly arranged. After the 
glasses had been filled and drained, the political editor 
moved that an explanation was in order. 

“My friends,” said Vance, “the most important dis- 
closure I have to make is that my salar>^ has been raised 
to $6o a week.” 

The religious editor said, “By Gad,” and fell from his 
chair, declaring that his nerv’es were so unstrung that it 
would require another glass of wine to restore them. 
After Vance had carefully narrated his inter\'iew with the 
chief, he received the hearty congratulations of his asso- 
ciates. Each vied with the others in wishing him 
unbounded success as a western correspondent for the 
"Banner. 


GRA y ROCKS. 


37 


“I understand,” said the political editor, after clearing 
his throat with a glass of wine, “that the west is teeming 
with opportunities in a political wa}*; and I would not be 
surprised,” he added, “if the Honorable Vance Gilder 
would be the next thing we hear of, as mayor of some 
municipality in the Rocky Mountain region, or possibly 
as a member of Congress from the Third District.” 



My salary has h<en raiud. 


“Or still better,” observed the religious editor, “presi- 
dent of one of those bonanza gold mines that advertise 


88 


GRA y ROCKS. 


themselves as being the greatest dividend paying proper- 
ties in the world.” 

“What’s the matter,” said the police reporter, “of 
being moderate in your expectations? Suppose Vance 
secures the position of judge of the police court in one of 
those western towns, where from a dozen to twenty 
drunks and brawls occur every twenty-four hours— ye 
gods! what a country for rich morsels of crime ! ” 

It was conceded by all that Vance would have abundant 
opportunity for making investments here and there in the 
growing west that would materially increase his financial 
prospects. 

“Sixty dollars,” said the dramatic critic, as he finished 
his third glass of wine, “is quite a step up, but evidently 
a mere bagatelle to the ‘pick-ups’ on the side, in a new 
country that is just developing like the west is at the 
present time.” 

That Vance was one of the luckiest fellows living was 
the verdict of all his associates. After the lunch had been 
disposed of and a good-night glass of wine drunk to 
Vance’s success, he bade his companions good-night, and 
was soon being driven rapidly up 
Eighth Avenue to Central Park, west. 

On reaching his room he began to feel 
more than ever that he had awakened 
to find himself famous, and that a great 
honor had been thrust upon him. 

His gratitude to his chief was un- 
bounded, but like the young and am- 
bitious everywhere, his own personal 
advancement in a financial sense was a ; 
consideration not to be overlooked. rtty ceutrate. 



CRA y /^OCKS. 


39 


While he knew personally very little about the Western 
coiintr>', the many allusions of his companions to the rare 
opportunities which awaited him in the new world he 
was about to visit filled him with a vague, indescribable 
sense of importance. 

As he retired for the night, he assured himself that 
Gold Bluff, Idaho, would be one of his objective points, 
and hoped he would be there when the shaft reached the 
300 foot level. He was beginning to share the old 
miner’s enthusiasm and confidence in Gray Rocks. 

He drifted away into a re.stful sleep, while visions of a 
lovely girl in early womanhood, with beautiful blue eyes, 
“gentle grace and sovereign sweetness,* rose in a mist 
before him, and he dreamed he was at Go i Bluff. 






CHAPTER V. 


AN ODD CHARACTER. 

'RIP from New York to the inter-moun- 
tain country of the west, with the present 
railroad facilities of palatial Pullmans and 
dining cars, is now an ever>’-day affair. 
The traveler is surrounded by every com- 
fort. Vance Gilder was more than ever 
in love with the change, as the cars rum- 
bled on through dell and forest, across 
broad stretches of beautiful valley coun- 
try, and ever and anon rushing over an iron bridge that 
spanned some beautiful stream of water, some of them 
calm and peaceful, and others rushing madly along, 
breaking into white spray over rocky ripples, and then 
hurr>'ing on again as if they were rimning a race 
with time. 

As he approached the Rocky Mountain country, and 
for the first time in his life gazed upon that mighty range 
of Nature’s towering masonr>", he was almost intoxicated 
with the new sights to be seen on the “crown of the 
continent.” 

Notwithstanding his enjoyment of the new and varied 
scener>% he was glad enough to abandon the cars at Butte 
City, after four days and nights of continuous riding. 

Butte City is said to be, not only the greatest mining 



40 


GRA y ROCKS. 


41 


camp in Montana, but the greatest in the world. They 
boast of the many millions that are brought to the light of 
day by the magic wand of the miner’s pick. Vance 
found lodging at the Mercury Hotel, and early the next 
morning, after breakfasting heartily, started for a walk. 



Hello, parJ; bow d'ye do? 


The town is built on a side-hill, gently rising from the 
depot grounds westward to a very considerable elevation. 
He paused now and then to inspect the architecture of 
some of the buildings, and then looked away toward the 
smelter districts, at the black clouds of smoke which the 


42 


GRA y ROCKS. 


chimneys were belching forth, and falling over the city 
like a veil of mourning. 

Presently he was accosted by an individual of grizzly 
beard and good-natured countenance, who said : 

“Hello, pard; how d’ye do? Sizin’ up these diggins’, 
be ye?” 

As Vance eyed his questioner rather critically and 
acknowledged the salutation, the fellow reached him a 
card which bore the name “Hank Casey.” While Vance 
was glancing at the card, his new acquaintance said : 

“I reckon you be from down east? I come from thar’ 
a long time ago. You’ll notice from my card that I’m in 
the real estate business; also have some fine minin’ 
propositions.” 

“Yes,” replied Vance, “I am from the east, but do not 
know as I care to make any investments.” 

“Well, now, look’ee here, stranger, I ’spect I might 
give you a pinter or two that may not come amiss. This 
’ere town is chuck up full of dead beats and black legs, 
wlio make it their business to run every new feller in that 
comes from down east. Now Hank Casey do a straight- 
for’ard, legitimate business — that’s me,” said he, as he 
tucked his thumbs into the armholes of his vest and 
straightened himself to his fullest height. 

Vance was amused by this odd character, and deter- 
mined to learn from him what he could concerning Butte 
City and the claims made for it. He therefore asked, 

‘ ‘What population have you and what are your resources?’ ’ 

“Over fifty thousand people, above an’ below. You 
see, thar’s several thousand of us in this town below 
ground, workin’ away with shovel an’ pick. I reckon as 
how you’ll see a fair sample of our miners if you’re on the 


GRA Y ROCKS, 


streets to-night. As for resources — wh}", pardner, thar s 
no end to *ein. We took out mighty near forty million 
dollars from our mines last year, an* thar*s ore enough 
in sight to keep on minin’ at the same rate for a hundred 
years to come. What d’ye think o* that? ” 

Vance replied that it certainly was a most extraordinary 
statement. “ What other towns have you in this state,” 
asked Vance. 

” None to speak of,” was the prompt 
reply. “Butte City is the pertest 
town in any o’ these \ve.stern diggins*. 

Thar’s not another town in Montana 
as can tech one side of us, for money, 
marbles, or chalk. To be sure,” he 
went on, in a condescending tone, “we 
have lots o’ towns in this ’ere state, 
sech as they be; lots o’ minin’ camps, 
but they are merely blacksmith-shops- 
on-the-crossroads,’ compared with Butte City. D’ye see 
that corner lot over thar’? Five years ago I owned the 
ground whar’that buildin’ stands. I bought it for $300,held 
it ju.st thirteen months, and sold it for $4,000 spot cash.” 

“Why that was an immense profit,” said Vance, with 
more interest than he had yet manifested in Hank Casey’s 
description of Butte City. Hank Casey smiled content- 
edly and expectorated an accumulation of tobacco juice 
with a rc.sounding “ pit-tew” on the side- walk, and said: 

“ You call that a good profit? Why, pardner, I bought 
stock in the Blackbird mine at twelve cents a share when 
the company wa-> fust organized, and now it’s worth $300 
a share and payin’ an immense dividend monthly. That’s 
what I call a good investment ; but as fer that speck,” 



Hank Cauy, 


44 


CRA Y ROCKS. 


said he, jerking his thumb over liis shoulder at the comer 
lot, “that don’t amount to nothin’.” 

“Do you know where Gold Bluff, Idalio, is?” asked 
Vance. 

“I reckon I ought to know,” replied the boomer; “me 
an’ Steve Gibbons \vere the fust prospectors in that ‘neck 
o’ the woods.’ Steve an’ I claim to own the Peacock, 
but old Rufus Grim, the biggest scoundrel in Idaho — yes, 
the biggest in this whole minin’ country — claims to own 
it, and has got possession, and I’ve learned, in this west- 
ern country ’specially, that possession is not only nine 
points of the law, but mighty near ten. Of course, a gold 
mine like the Peacock is a mighty handy thing to have in 
the family, but as a general rule, they’re mighty unsar- 
tin. Give me a silver or popper mine ever>^ time.” 

Vance assured his new-found acquaintance that he was 
under many obligations for the information received, and 
said he hoped to meet him again. Hank Casey, how- 
ever, was not to be disposed of in this way, and walked 
along with Vance. Presently he called his attention to 
some vacant lots across the street. 

“D’ye see them lots over thar? I can sell you one o’ 
them fifty-foot lots at $3, 500, an’ I’ll bet diamonds against 
peanuts it’ll be a rich buy at $10,000 before two years. 
By the way, stranger, what’s the matter with you takin’ 
a leetle ‘flyer’ in Butte City dirt? Buy a few lots, stop 
here with us for six months, sell ’em out agin for 100 per 
cent, profit, an’ that’ll pay all the expenses of your west- 
ern trip. See?” said he, touching Vance gently in the 
ribs with his elbow. 

“Yes; I see,” said Vance, “I see very clearly, or would. 


GRA Y ROCKS. 


45 


were it not for the smoke. It smells like sulphur. Does 
it come from some of your mills or smelters?* * 

“Now% look’ee here, pard, you’re just 
like every other down-easter. They’re 
always kickin’ ’bout this smoke. Now, 
let me tell you; if we didn’t have that ’ar 
smoke we wouldn’t have any Butte City, 
and besides, it kills the bacteria, molecules, 
an’ all that sort o’ thing. It’s mighty 
healthy here, I can tell you, an’ a mighty 
pert town into the bargain.” 

Vance coughed immoderately, but Hank Casey who 
was acclimated, assured him that he was at that moment 
breathing the healthiest air that ever his lungs were 
filled with. 

In the course of their walk, the boomer kept up a con- 
stant conversation, explaining different points of interest, 
pointing out the different mining properties hi sight and 
telling their names, until Vance felt that he had been very 
fortunate in falling in with one so conversant with Butte 
City. At parting, Vance bade his new-found friend good 
day, and promised to call at his office before leaving the 
city. 

When he returned to the hotel, he commenced his first 
letter to the banner, but it was not finished until late that 
night. When it appeared in the great New York journal 
it surprised, in point of brilliancy and interest, even his 
wannest friends. His descriptions were so vivid and life- 
like, and his characters so droll, and withal teeming with 
information, that a score of letters came to the managing 
editor, assuring him of the great pleasure and profit they 
had experienced in its perusal. Of course, Vance knew 



Tbe iUtpbur unoke. 


40 


(7AV/ y ROCK'S. 


nothing of this at the time, but devoted himself with 
unceasing diligence in searching out reliable information, 
and then framing it into weekly letters. 

Butte City began to impress him as a place of more 
importance than he had at first thought. He learned 
that almost one million of dollars was paid out monthly 
to the miners alone, and they, as a class, are “hail fellows 
well met,*’ who believe in the doctrine of keeping money 
in constant circulation. 

He noticed in many of the mercantile houses that 
when the day clerks went off duty at six o’clock in the 
evening, another set of clerks came on, and the shops and 
stores, by the aid of brilliant electric lights, continued 
business twenty-four hours out of the day the year around. 

Vance frequently thought of his conversation with the 
managing editor, and what he had said about western 
towns and the over-enthusiastic town boomer. In Hank 
Casey he felt he had found a typical character that fully 
came up to all the managing editor had inferred, and had 
frequently used him as an inspiration, but was becoming 
more and more convinced that Butte City was one of 
those solid, substantial places which the managing editor 
had classed as exceptions to the rule. 


CHAPTER VI. 


THE TOWN BOOMER. 

)UT TWO WEEKS after Vance Gilder 
arrived in Butte City, he noticed one 
moniing that everybody was talking 
about a new town, and each was asking 
the others what they thought about it. 
Glancing at the hotel register, he saw the 
name, Homer Winthrop, of Watervdlle, 
Idaho. 

In looking over the Butte City Miner 
and the Inter-Mountain Blade, both healthy dailies and 
well edited, he was somewhat astonished to find a full-page 
advertisement in each of the papers, setting forth in blaz- 
ing splendor the great Thief River Valley, and signed by 
Homer Winthrop as agent, announcing that he would be 
at the Mercury Hotel for a short time, and inviting those 
who were interested in investing a little money in a purely 
agricultural city, to come early and “get in on the 
ground floor. “ 

The advertisement represented Waterville as being in 
the midst of the great Thief River Valley, with the largest 
water power in the country, surrounded by an agricul- 
tural district of two million acres of the richest land the 
sun ever shone down upon. He termed the new town of 



<17 


48 


GRA y ROCKS, 


Waterville the “City of Destiny/' and said the price of 
town lots would quadruple in a few years’ time. 

Vance was at once interested. “Here/’ said he to him- 
self, “is a genuine town boomer, and as the fellow is 
stopping at this hotel, it will be an easy matter to learn 
just how this boom business is operated. It will make an 
excellent article for the Banner,'' 

Accordingly, about eleven o’clock that forenoon he 
called to see the irrepressible town boomer and hear what 
sort of a marvelous story he had to tell about Water\dlle. 
He was quickly admitted into a reception room by a 
young gentleman who assured him that Mr. Winthrop 
would soon be at lesiure, and begged him to be seated, 
calling his attention to the numerous maps on the walls, 
one of which covered nearly the entire side of the room. 

Winthrop’s young assistant seemed to know his busi- 
ness, and at once commenced the preliminary skirmish of 
interesting Vance in the great Thief River Valley, and 
especially town lots in Water\dlle; but as Vance did not 
evince any inclination to purchase, the young fellow 
endeavored so impress him by calling his 
attention to the advertisements in the morn- 
ing papers. Every once in a while he would 
tip-toe over to the door where the great 
town-boomer, Homer 'NVinthrop, was hold- 
ing a private conversation with a would-be 
purchaser. He would put his ear to the 
keyhole and listen for a moment, and then 
come tip-toeing back and assure Vance Mr. 

Winthrop would soon be at leisure. 

Presently the door opened and a gentle- 
man in miner’s garb came out, and Vance was immedi- 



Wintbrop's 

aisistant. 


GRA Y ROCKS. 


49 


ately shown In. As he entered the private room of 
Homer Winthrop, he involuntarily paused to study, if 
but for a moment, the face of the man who had arrived in 
Butte City late the night before, and now had everyone 
in the place agog over the prospects of a new town that 
had just been laid out on paper in the Thief River Valley. 

Homer Winthrop, with all the easy grace of a Chester- 
field, motioned his visitor to a seat, pushing a box of very 
superior Havanas toward him, and invited him to join 
him in burning a weed. He was a man above the aver- 
age height, inclined to be rather slender, and possessed a 
rather good looking face, beaming with good nature and 
apparent frankness; a pair of intelligent dark eyes that 
laughed and smiled with as much expression as the face, 
changeable, however, into intenseness and earnestness 
seldom met with; a broad, intellectual forehead; a rather 
square chin, indicating great determination of character. 
To this add a luxuriant head of dark hair, and moustache, 
otherwise a clean-shaven face, and the reader will have a 
fair idea of his appearance. 

He was evidently an adept in reading human nature, 
and knew his man on sight; had seen much of western 
life — and yet it required no second inter\dew to discover 
in him the polished manners and easy grace of one who 
has seen much of refinement and culture. He could have 
entered into the gaieties of a reception in a Fifth Avenue 
mansion with as little effort as he had stirred up a city of 
50,000 people in a few hours over the magnificent pros- 
pects of a new town that was just budding into existence. 

Vance accepted the proffered cigar, and they easily 
engaged in conversation. They discussed the great out- 
put of ore from the mines of Butte City, and the wonder- 


60 


GRA Y ROCKS. 


ful development of the western country during recent 
years; the magnificent mining properties that had been 
opened up; and, in fact, nearly everything except Water- 
ville and the great Thief River Valley. Homer Winthrop 



Vance accepted the proffered cigar. 


with the skill of a tactician, narrated incidents and 
legends of different miners who had devoted a lifetime in 
searching for the precious metal and finally '‘struck it 
rich’’ in some out-of-the-way, unexpected place. 

Vatice finally inquired in regard to the new town of 


C/^A y ROCKS, 


51 


Waterville, and was not a little surprised at the conserv- 
ative reply he received, wholly devoid of any enthusiasm. 

“Oh,” said Winthrop, “we have a very excellent agri- 
cultural country in the valley. We are building our new 
town of AVaterville on the rapids of the Thief Riv^er. It 
has, perhaps, the greatest water power of any inland city 
in the United States. Many believe a great city will 
eventually be built at that point. We also have a great 
deal of capital invested in the construction of irrigating 
canals, reclaiming the valley lands from their present arid 
condition and converting them into productive farms.” 
He also went on, in a voice full of rhythm that was almost 
musical in its intonation, explaining in a modest way 
why many people believed in the future of the place, 
touching on the numerous natural resources that were 
apparent to everyone sufficiently interested to visit the 
valley and see for himself. 

Vance was deeply interested in Homer Winthrop’s 
appearance, and later found him.self charmed with his new 
acquaintance more than he cared to admit, even to him- 
self. On taking his leave, he promised to call again the 
next day. As Vance stepped into the reception room, he 
found it almost filled with miners and tradesmen who 
were waiting for an interview with Mr. Winthrop, and he 
rightly guessed that a profitable business was being done. 

In thinking over his interview with the town boomer 
of Waterville, Vance was compelled to admit that he was 
one of the most attractive individuals with whom he had 
ever come in contact. That afternoon he finished a letter 
to the Banner y but it contained no reference to Waterville. 

The result of his second interview was that he accepted 
an invitation to visit the new town, which was some two 


62 


GRA Y ROCKS, 


hundred miles distant. Agreeable to this arrangement, 
they left Butte City early one morning, and that evening 
reached AVaterville. 

Vance was not particularly attracted by the general 
appearance and “lay” of the new town site. It appeared 
crude and unfinished, and abounded with sage brush and 
sand. The waters of the rapids, however, in their mad 
rirshing as they went foaming down the narrows like race 
horses, impressed him with a belief that nothing had been 
overdrawn in regard to this great natural power, which 
had been idling its time away for centuries. Homer Win- 
Ihrop stood by his side on the rocky bank, but said 
nothing. 

Presently Vance looked up and said: “What a wonder- 
ful power is going to waste in these rapids!” 

“It will soon be harnessed,” replied 
Winthrop, “and this vast power utilized 
in many manufacturing enterprises. I 
do not feel,” he continued, “that I am 
over-estimating facts, Mr. Gilder, when 
I say there is powder enough here to turn 
every spindle in every w’oolen mill and 
factor}’ in the United States.” 

“My only surprise,” replied Vance, 
‘ ‘ is that these w’aters have not been put 
to use long before this.” 

That night at the hotel Vance felt he w’as indeed 
•‘roughing it.” He rose in the morning feeling but little 
refreshed, and sat dowui to a very unpalatable breakfast, 
and immediately afterwards started w’ith Homer Win- 
throp on a drive through the valley. 

The farmers w’ere busy harvesting their grain, and on 



*Tbc ^apidi. 


GRA y ROCA^S. 


53 


inquity they learned the yield of wheat was from forty to 
seventy bushels to the acre, and that oats 3’ielded from 
sixty to one hundred bushels to the acre. Vance was 
greatly astonished, and became almost enthusiastic over 
the agricultural possibilities of the valley. 

“Why,” said he, “Mr. Winthrop, there is no question 
but this is destined to be one of the richest agricultural 
valleys in the world. In my work on the Banner I have 
had occasion to look up statistics on grain products, and 
if these farmers are telling the truth in regard to the yield 
of their crops, there is no other place like it in the United 
States. ’ * 

A moment after, he was chagrined to think he had 
given way to such a burst of enthusiasm. It would have 
been better for him to remain a listener, and allow Win- 
throp to grow enthusiastic in praise of the country. 
Winthrop, however, took no advantage of Vance’s earn- 
estness. 

The day was a perfect one; the sun was shining, and 
yet there was a cool, invigorating breeze sweeping gently 
down from the snow-capped Tetons. Driving rapidly 
and pleasantly along, they at last found themselves near 
the foot-hills on a slight elevation overlooking thf valley 
to the west. Alighting from the carriage, Vance followed 
Winthrop’s lead, and soon they found themselves on a 
table rock, at a sufficient elevation to see for many miles 
to the north, south and west. For a few minutes Vance 
contemplated the sight in silence, and then said: “This 
is indeed a grand sight.” Turning to Winthrop, he con- 
tinued: 

”I have seen many beautiful sights — the Green and 
White Mountains of New England, the Cumberland of 


54 


GRA Y ROCKS. 


Virginia, and the mighty Rocky Mountains through Colo- 
rado — blit standing here on the foot-hills, with the moun- 
tains rising behind us to the sky, with their hoar>’ crests 
even on this July day capped with snow, and these 
mountain streams, foaming cataracts, all shimmering in 
the sunshine, making sweet and restful harmony in their 
ceaseless flow, surpasses anything I have ever seen. The 
valley itself looks like a vast green sward stretching before 
us like a map. The yellow shocks of golden grain in the 
farming districts are suggestive of what may be in years 
to come. No man can look upon such a promising picture 
and not be convinced of the commercial importance which 
will attend the development of this valley.*’ 

During Vance’s outburst of eo^tacy, Homer Winthrop 
said nothing, merely acquiescing, in a modest way, to all 
Vance expressed. 

Returning to Waten^ille, they partook of a sumptuous 
repast, which Winthrop had ordered especially prepared, 
consisting principally of mountain trout, caught that 
morning in the Thief River. 

After lunch Vance accepted an invitation to smoke and 
walk out over the town site. 

“This,” said Winthrop, “is block fourteen of Eagle’s 
addition. You see it is less than three blocks from the 
center'of the town. It is one of the choicest blocks we 
have. If you want me to give you some advice, Mr. 
Gilder, I will do so, and say, buy a few of these lots. 
The price is only Jiooeach, and, in my judgment, they 
will be worth $500 before five years from to-day.” 

Vance looked away into the distance at the farm lands, 
and the music of the sickle was borne lazily to him by a 
gentle breeze; then he turned his gaze toward the river. 


GRA Y ROCKS. 


55 


where the roaring waters were crowding down the rapids, 
proclaiming in thundering tones that Waterville was an 
exception to the rule. After a little he turned to Homer 
Winthrop and said: “I have been advised to keep clear 
of these new towns. The person who gave me this 
advice told me there were a few honorable exceptions to 
the rule. I must believe, from what I have seen, that 
Waterville is an exception. I wdll take twenty-five of 
these lots, and you may fix up the deed for them as soon 
as possible.” 

The deed and abstract w^ere delivered to Vance that 
afternoon, and his check for $2,500 was duly deposited in 
Homer Winthrop’s pocket. 

‘T may have been foolish,” said Vance, ”to act so 
hastily in this matter.” 

Winthrop turned to him, and placing a hand on either 
shoulder, looked squarely into his companion’s eyes, and 
said: 

“My belief, Mr. Gilder, is that you have acted wisely, 
and if you will keep these lots five years, you wdll thank 
me for suggesting the advisability of making the purchase. 
I have but one request to make — that you wdll wait five 
years before passing judgment on my advice.” 

“Your request is cheerfully granted,” replied Vance 
with great earnestness, and the two men clasped hands, 
and a bond of friendship was thereby woven. 


CHAPTER VII. 


A VISIT TO WATERVILLE. 

NEW WESTERN TOWN is usually pro- 
vided with a public square, and the busi- 
ness houses and shops are arranged along 
the four sides of it in sentinel-like posi- 
tion, the comer lots going at a premium, 
and where the most substantial buildings 
are erected. Watervdlle, however could 
not boast of a public square, but it had 
two iron bridges spanning the Thief River. 

A large stone grist mill had been built on the side of 
the river opposite the town, and on the elevated ground 
beyond, it was said the State Agricultural College was to 
be built. 

It was a favorite pastime with the real estate agents to 
sit on the depot platform, and while waiting for the in- 
coming trains, to whittle pine sticks into shavings, telling 
of the different manufactories, st^te institutions, colleges 
and asylums, etc., that would be located in the near 
future at Watervdlle. 

That evening after Vance had made his purchase of 
town lots he strolled away by himself across the great iron 
bridge, and gave himself up to meditation. Had he acted 
wisely? Would Water\dlle after all prove a “boom town” 
and his investment a losing one? Was Homer Winthrop, 



56 


GRA Y ROCKS, 


67 


with his suave manners and great earnestness, which at 
times seemed to carry conviction to the hearts of all w^ho 
heard him express himself, the noble specimen of man- 
hood he appeared to be, or were his fascinations merely 
the arts of the ordinary skilled western boomer? Would 
the managing editor approve his action in purchasing lots 
in such a new and undeveloped place as Waterville? 

It is a common experience with mankind, that after a 
doubtful transaction has been consummated, we can delib- 
erate with far more intentness of thought than before the 
trade was made. 

A peculiarity of a \vestern town is its plentifulness of 
real estate agents, who seem to travel in 
swarms, and find an abiding place in the 
town that promises the greatest activity. 
After a reaction sets in and hard times 
overtake them, this peculiar class usually 
pick up their “ink-horns’* and fly, as 
from a pestilence. 

Another peculiarity is, that if a trade 
is made with a “tender- foot” everyone in 
the village usually knows of it in a 

As Vance was returning from his w^alk he was met on 
the outskirts of the village by a number of this class of 
hangers-on, who make their living by selling town lots 
on commission. Each one was desirous of saying “just 
a word” to Vance in private. 

The story of one was practically the story of all. They 
advised him to stop and think what he was losing by not 
buying more property in Waterville. One particularly 
long, lank individual, who wore a sombrero and high- 



tust a word. 

very few hours. 


58 


GRA Y ROCKS. 


topped boots, assured him that “the opportunity of a life- 
time was at that very minute knocking at his door; it 
might never come again. “ “You might go away from 
Watervdlle,” said he, “and come back here in a few 
months* time, and you’ll find the town lots I can sell you 
tO‘day for a mere song, going at ten times the price that j 
you can buy them for now. My name is Steve Gibbons, j 
and I presume I am doing the biggest real estate business 
in Watervdile. I sell more lots than any other half dozen 
agents in town. You’ve made a great mistake, Mr. Gil- 
der,” said he, “in buying of the Town Company. Of | 
course, this is confidential, but if you had come to me ^ 
instead of buying of Winthrop, I could have saved you ; 
big money.” i 

“What do you mean by ‘the company’?” asked Vance. i 
“Why, you see, the Waterville Town Company own 
mighty near all the property in town. That man Win- n 
throp is a member of the company. Now, while I have < 
not as many lots for sale as the Town Company, my j 
prices beat them all holler.” ' 

“Do you think,” asked Vance, “that Mr. Winthrop 
charged me too much for my lots?’ ’ 

“Think!” said Steve Gibbons, “think? ^ 
w^hy, pardner, all the agents in town are 
laughin’ about it; he took you in.” - 

Vance bit his lips, and mentally con- 
cluded to investigate very thoroughly , 
before he quit Watervdlle. 

“You see,” Gibbons went on, “all us 
fellers are down on the Town Company. 

We don’t like corporations, nohow; they 
don’t give us honorable-intentioned fel- 



Sttvc Gibbons. 


GJ^A V ROCKS, 


59 


lers a fair chance. We are the men that’s buildin’ up 
this here town — givin’ it the bone, and the sinew, and 
the standin*, so to speak. ^ Don’t you see?” 

“Yes,” said Vance, “I understand,” and begging to 
be excused, he turned and walked away from the “hon- 
orable-intenticned” Steve Gibbons, and soon after sought 
the privacy of his own room in the Ballard House. 

Dick Ballard was a Grand Army man, and kept the 
only hotel of any importance in Waterville. The only 
thing first-class about it was the price for lodging. Imme- 
diately after the average traveler settled his bill at the 
Ballard, there was generally a half-distinct impression in 
his mind that he had been stopping at a first-class hotel, 
but the remembrance of three kinds of meat cooked in the 
same kettle was not easily forgotten. 

As Vance sat in his room, in anything but a pleasant 
frame of mind, there came a gentle knock on his door. 
He quickly admitted his visitor, and found it was Dick 
Ballard, the proprietor. 

“I reckon,” said he, as soon as he stepped in, “you’ll 
be one of us by and by. Bought property already, and a 
mighty good buy you’ve made of it, too. Oh, you know 
a good thing when you see it; you bet yer life you do.” 

“Do you think,” said Vance, “the lots I purchased 
were reasonable at the price?’ ’ 

“I should say so; yes, sir, mighty cheap. This here 
town is cornin’ out of the kinks in fine shape. We’ll have 
a drum corps in our State militia before another year; 
you bet we will. I presume you know we have the finest 
drilled company at Waterville, outside the regular army, 
in the state?’ ’ 

“I have been told,” said Vance, “that I paid too much 


00 


GRA y ROCKS. 


for the property. I am more interested in learning the 
truth or untruth of the statement than I am about your 
militia company. ’ ^ 



7bi» *ere town is comin* out of the kinks in fine shape. 


“Who told you that?” asked Ballard, with indignation. 
As Vance did not answer, the Iiotel proprietor went on to 
say: “I’ll bet it was J. Arthur Boast. Now, look’ee 
here, Mr. Gilder, you can’t believe everything these fel- 
lers tell you.” 

The truth of this remark pressed itself on Vance so 



GRA Y ROCKS. 


61 


forcibly, and his indignation getting the better of him, he 
turned upon Dick Ballard and said bitterly: 

“Who in thunderation can I believe?’* 

“You can believe me, sir, and I’ll produce prima facie 
evidence of everything I say. This town is all right; 
your investment is a good one, and the man who says it 
is not is surely trying to stick his nose into other people’s 
business — but, say, hold on a minute,” said Ballard, as if 
he had forgotten something, “will you take a drink?” and 
he produced a bottle from his pocket. 

“No, thank you,” said Vance. 

“Well, if you don’t mind, I will,” said the landlord, 
as he proceeded to treat himself to a liberal portion of the 
contents of his bottle. 

“Now,’ said he, as he sat down smacking his lips, 
“everything I tell you is prima facie. I know how it is; 
some of these fellows have been trying to make you dis- 
satisfied with your purchase. I am not selling town lots. 
My business is to run this hotel and see that everybody 
has a fair deal,” 

“Who is the Town Company?” asked Vance. 

“The Town Company, sir, consists of some of the most 
remarkable men in this country. They are strong men, 
brainy men; they are hustlers; and I,” said Ballard, ris- 
ing to his feet, “I am their friend. This man, Homer 
Winthrop,” he went on, “carries more gray matter about 
on his brain than all the shark real estate agents in 
Waterville put together. He is one of the company, but 
you’ll see them all before long; and when you do, I know 
you’ll agree with me in saying they are the cleanest cut 
lot of men on the continent. Winthrop is a great man, 
but there are others in the company that are a mighty 


62 


GRA Y ROCKS. 


sight stronger than he is. They are all men of honor, 
and their integrity is prima facie.** ‘Trima facie** 
seemed to be a favorite expression of Dick Ballard*s. 
After he had delivered himself in the strongest language 
at his command, he treated himself to another drink and 
retired. 

Vance sat far into the night, looking out at his window 
into the mellow moonlight, listening to the ceaseless roar 
of the waters and the yelping coyotes in the distance, 
which were answered by half a dozen dogs in different 
parts of the town. At time.5 he regretted his purchase, 
and again he felt it must, in the very nature of things, 
increase many times in value in a few years. 

The moon came up the eastern sky, and seemed to hang 
in space like a ball of fire, beckoning him to return to his 
eastern home before disaster overtook him. The three 
great Tetons of the mountain range bearing their name 
stood out in bold relief, throwing long, menacing shadows 
directly towards him. The shimmering of the soft moon- 
beams glistened on the restless waters of the musical 
river, whose alluring song of promise and power was 
wafted to him on the night wind. 


CHAPTER VIII. 


AT THE MINE. 



HE next morning Vance was 
rather late in rising. Soon after 
he had taken his seat at the 
breakfast table, he was joined by 
an individual small i i stature but 
tastily dressed. His eyes were 
restless, and he seemed on the 
point of making an observation 


several times before he finally did so. 

“Very pleasant morning,” .said he, looking up at 
Vance and then hastily glancing at the sunshine that 
streamed in at the window. 

“Yes, delightful,” was Vance’s reply. Presently th^ 
stranger observed: 

“Sunny days are the rule, cloudy days the exception, 
at Waterville. At least that’s my experience during a 
year’s -sojourn among the good people of this village.” 

There was a quaking sound in the fellow’s voice that 
attracted Vance’s attention, because it was different from 
others more than because there was anything charming 
about it. Vance wondered if this individual was not al -o 
in the real estate business. It seemed as if everyone with 
whom you come in contact was a real estate agent. He 
was on the point of asking him what line of business he 


63 


04 


GRA Y ROCKS. 


was engaged in, when the fellow, looking up from his 
plate, said, *‘Real estate is my line. My office is just 
across the street; you can see my sign from the window.** 
Looking out at the window, Vance saw a large real 
estate sign, with gold letters on a black back ground, 
bearing the name of ‘J. Arthur Boast.'* 

“You are Mr. Boast, I presume,’* said Vance, turning 
from the window. 

“J. Arthur Boast, at your service.** 

Half an hour later Vance Gilder was seated in the real 
estate office of J. Arthur Boast, looking 
over his special bargain list; not with a 
view of buying, but rather to gain infor- 
mation. Boast talked a great deal, and 
in his fawning, insinuating manner, ad- 
vised Vance, without saying so in so 
many words, to keep his eyes open when 
dealing with the Town Company. After 
Vance had carefully scanned his list of 
town lots, he was better satisfied than 
ever with his purchases. 

Taking a bottle from his desk. Boast held it up toward 
the sunlight, and asked Vance if he would have some 
“red liquor.*’ Vance declined with thanks. Boast 
walked back and forth with the bottle in his hand, and in 
a quaking voice, meant to be confidential, told Vance 
that he had got to quit drinking; that red liquor was get- 
ting an awful hold on him. He seemed to be desirous of 
giving the impression that he was a hard drinker. 
Finally he poured out some of the contents of the bottle 
into a glass, and drank it down at one swallow. After- 
wards he seemed quite wretched and his eyes were filled 



Boast* i oJSfict. 


GRA Y ROCKS. 


65 


a very supenor 



/ must stop drinking. 


with tears. Vance concluded, notwithstanding all he had 
said against himself, that J. Arthur Boast was not a 
drinking man. 

“That liquor is all right,” said Boast; 
article, but it is a little early in the day 
for me to commence. It always half 
strangles me in the morning.” 

As Vance was seeking information 
from which he could draw his own con- 
clusions, he gave Boa.st all the oppor- 
tunities possible to express himself in 
regard to Waterville and its people. 

The fellow said nothing positive, yet 
there was an evil vein of insinuation in 
all that he did say, not only in regard 
to the Waterville Town Company and ever}'' other real 
estate agent, but also against everybody in the town gen- 
erally. Vance \Qry much disliked the fellow, and after- 
wards learned that he was universally disliked and 
shunned by everyone in Waterville. 

Instead of returning to Butte City with Winthrop that 
afternoon, Vance remained in Waterville, and arranged 
to take the early stage next morning for Gold Bluff, which 
was located some sixty miles northwest of Waterville, in 
the Fish River Mining District. He arrived in that 
Idaho mining town late the following night, registered at 
the Bluff House, and after a late supper retired to his 
room for a much needed rest. 

The next morning he found, on inquiry, that Ben 
Bonifield’s mine was located about half a mile from town 
upon the mountain side, and he at once started out in 
5 


66 


GRA Y ROCKy 


that direction, to see how the work on the shaft, bound 
for the 300 foot levxl, was progressing. 

The town of Gold Bluff was cozily nestled in a little 
valley, with abrupt mountains towering away to the sky 
on either side of it. The mountains were covered with 
spruce and pine and mountain poplars up to the snow 
line, above which the barren rocks rose majestically 
towards the heavens. A refreshing stream meandered its 
course through the town, on one side of which were stores 
and shops, and on the other residences. Vance noticed 
that some of them were of modern architecture and neatly 
painted, while others were primitive in the extreme — 
relics of early mining days. The town was rather quaint 
and picturesque, and made more so by a profusion of 
shade trees. 

“Good morning,” said Vance, as he came up to Ben 
Bonifield, wdio, in miner’s costume, was working vigor- 
ously away at the frame-work of the shaft pver Gray 
Rocks. The old man looked up with an astonished air, 
and said: 

“Gpod mawnin’, suh.” Then, recog- 
nizing his visitor, he threw down his 
hammer and gave Vance’s hand such a 
squeeze in his powerful grasp that it 
almost made him cry out with pain. 

“AVhy, suh,” cried the old miner, “I 
am almost pa’alyzed to see yo’, I am 
indeed, suh. Mr. Gilder, I welcome yo’, 
suh, to Gold Bluff and to Gray Rocks. ^4imost pa’aijzfd to 
Here, suh, are our possessions,” waving ^oueyou.sub. 
his hand toward the shaft. “Immediately upon my re- 
turn from the city, Mr. Gilder, we commenced work in 



G/^A V ROCKS, 


67 


earnest, suh, and befo’ many weeks, I am proud to say, 
suh, we will reach the 300 foot level and be ready to 
cross-cut into the vein, suh. Yo’ don’t know,” said the 
old miner, again taking Vanc'e’s hand, “how proud I am 
— yes, proud, suh, proud to be honored with a visit from 
yo’, I vehy much desire that yo’ pu’son’lly inspect the 
mine; and there is no better time than the present.” 

Vance entered heartily into the tour of inspection, and 
at the old miner’s invitation, went down in the bucket, 
where the miners were at work. The old gentleman kept 
him there until he had explained everything to the 
minutest detail, and when Vance at last reached tlie top 
of the shaft he felt he had a far better idea of sinking 
shafts on mines than ever before. 

“Come,” said the old miner, “my Louise will be most 
delighted to sec yo’, suh; she will indeed.” Then turn- 
ing, he gave some instruction to his foreman, telling him 
he would not return that afternoon; and together the old 
gentleman and Vance walked down the mountain side to 
the village of Gold Bluff. 

The old miner’s residence was a modest one, situated 
well back from the street, near some huge boulders — a 
natural pyramid of rocks, while a beautiful little spring 
of water flowed from near its base. There was a very’ 
pretty yard in front, filled with growing evergreens and 
mountain ash. 

“I planted these trees myself, suh,” said the old miner, 
“years ago. They remind me of my old Virginia home. 
I was the fust one to set out shade trees in Gold Bluff; 
yes, .suh, the fust one.” 

As Vance entered the yard, he paused a moment to 
contemplate the beauty and home-like appearance of the 


68 


GRA Y ROCKS. 


yard, and Ben Bonifield’s home, with its wide porches in 
front literally covered with honeysuckles, ivy, and 
vining roses. 

Vance found Louise dres.sed as a mountain maid, in- 
stead of the fashionable young lady who had called on 



him in his New York home. She was not such a woman 
as poets rave about, and yet, withal, there was a grace — 
a charm — about her, that commanded admiration. Her 
hair, in the sunlight, was like one beautiful sheen of gold, 


GRA Y ROCKS. 


69 


with little ringlets here and there; her complexion was 
pink and white, and when under deep excitement a ruddy 
glow would mantle her cheeks. Her nose, while well 
formed, neither large nor small, was quite ordinar}^ Her 
mouth was a perfect Cupid’s bow, with lips like two red 
cherries. As Vance conversed with her that afternoon, 
he forgot the hair, forgot the delicately formed, rosy lips, 
forgot even the glow of pink which came and went over 
her fair cheeks, in looking into her talking eyes — so clear, 
so blue, and yet to trustful; even forgot the long brown 
lashes that fringed them with gentle protection. Her eyes 
were the crowning feature of her expressive face, which 
may not have been a beautiful one in the parlance of 
fashion, yet it was one that a student of human nature 
would term a face of intelligence; and after all, to the 
cultured, is there aught more beautiful? 

As Vance sat with the old miner and his daughter on 
the porch of their cozy dwelling that afternoon, he forgot 
time. The sun went down behind the western mountains, 
leaving the beauty of an afterglow reflected on the waters 
of the mountain brooklet. The moon that was climbing 
up over the eastern hills threw its rays aslant through the 
clinging roses that grew in profusion about the porch. A 
feeling of peace, and possibly a dangerous contentment, 
stole into his heart, and he murmured a thanksgiving to 
the fates. The unseen, potent force that binds us all, 
sooner or later, with a silken cord, w^as thonging him to 
a future destiny. 


CHAPTER IX. 


THE STAGE DRIVER. 



•ROM Gold Bluff Vance sent to the Banner 
one of his strongest descriptive letters. 
The inspiration of the new west, with its 
gorges, mountains, beautiful valleys and 
gurgling streams abounding with trout, 
tinged its every sentence. 

His vivacious style, which had won for 
him the place he occupied on the Banner, 
was reinforced with the new and intoxicating sights of 
the picturesque. For two weeks he did little else than 
tramp through valleys, following up mountain streams 
on fishing jaunts, and felt that he was “ roughing it in 
a most delightful fashion. One night, coming in from a 
long tramp far up in the mountains, he found a large 
bundle of mail awaiting him that had been forwarded 
from Butte City. Among his letters was one from the 
chief, which read as follows : 


Banner Office, 

New York City, July 

Dear Sir : 

Your letters to the Banner, in one sense of the word, are 
all and even more than I expected. They are giving excellent 
satisfaction. As yet you have expressed no decided opinion in 
regard to the desirability of Western investments. 

My ideas are to educate our readers against unstable invest- 
ments. Nine out of every ten of the mining shafts in Montana, 


GRA Y ROCKS, 


71 


in my judgment, have had more money put into them than ever 
has or ever will be taken out. You will also find many Western 
towns where they are selling lots at from one to two hundred 
dollars each, which, in reality, would be expensive property to 
own at the government price of $1.25 per acre. Of course, there 
are, perhaps, a few honorable exceptions. 


To Vance GitDER, Esq. 


Respectfully, 

J. R. S., Chief. 


When one is seeking an excuse for his convictions, 
especially if they are as strong as Vance’s had become in 
regard to Butte City and Waterville, the one little sent- 
ence, “Of course, there are, perhaps, a few honorable 
exceptions,” in the chieFs letter saves him a great deal 
of worry. Vance was too light hearted to be cast down 
by the half-criticism of the class of correspondence he was 
sending in. 

He had an engagement that evening with Louise 
Bonifield and her father ; indeed, his was a standing 
invitation at the Bonifields’, and almost every afternoon 
since his arrival at Gold Bluff found him at their mount- 
ain home. As he started from the hotel 
he was accosted by a familiar voice : 

“Hello, pard ; how d’ye do?” and 
Steve Gibbons thrust out his long arm 
to shake Vance’s hand in western 
fashion. He still wore his sombrero 
and high-topped boots. 

Vance assured Gibbons that he was 
delighted to see him. 

“I knew you would be,” said 
see, I have given up the real estate 



Turned Stage Driver. 


Gibbons. “You 


/ 


72 


GRA Y ROCKS. 


business down at Waterville, and am turned stage driver. 
Of course, every man in this ’ere country is lookin’ for 
promotion. I don’t reckon I’m any smarter than other 
people, but I've had my eye on this job for several 
months; but you can bet your life them other real estate 
agents didn’t know nothin* about it. I tell you, pardner, 
it’s a mighty elevatin' position to drive a six-horse team 
through these deep mountain gorges in all kinds of wind 
an 1 weather. Had to give a mighty stout bond, too, for 
we handle all the express matter, and there’s a good deal 
of gold dust hauled down from this ’ere camp.” 

Vance was glad to meet anyone, however slight the 
acquaintance had been, and in the course of their conver- 
sation Steve Gibbons confessed to him that he was 
“ givin’ it to him just a leetle ” in regard to the town lots 
which Vance had purchased of the Town Company. 

“You see,’’ said he, “the facts are, the Town Com- 
pany of Waterville has made that ’ere town, and are still 
makin’ it. It’s a mighty pert place, and is growin’ 
perter all the time.’’ 

Vance mentally wondered if all the “honest inten- 
tioned ” fellows of Waterville would talk in the same way 
about the Town Company if they were occupying posi- 
tions where their interests were no longer adverse to the 
Company’s. 

“Then you don’t think I paid too much for my lots? ’' 
asked Vance, looking up with a quizzical expression. 

“ No,’’ said Steve Gibbons, “them lots are all right, 
pardner, and will make you a barrel if you hold on to 
’em. They sold ’em to you cheap enough. That was 
just a leetle competition talk I was givin’ you that night 
down at Watervdlle. Business is business, you know. 


GRA y ROCKS. 


73 


when 3’ou are sellin’ town lots, and a man has got to talk 
for hisself. I really did want to sell you some lots, that’s 
a fact, ’cause I wanted to rake in the commission ; but it’s 
all over with now. I have throwed up the whole darned 
business of sellin’ lots since I was promoted. Old Dick 
Ballard,” said he, “is jest as prima facie as ever, and 
says his company is the finest drilled militia in the state. 
By the way,” he continued, “the Town Company has 
had a meetin’, and the people are feelin’ mighty good 
iess now.” 

“ How’s that? asked Vance. 

“Oh,” replied Gibbons, “about once a month the 
Town Company have a meetin’, and pass resolutions, 
declar’ dividends and get up a new prospectus of differ- 
ent manufacturin’ enterprises that’s goin’ to be built 
thar ; also, of colleges and state institutions that will be 
located at Water\’ille this coinin’ year, and that always 
makes the people feel high-spirited for the next week or 
ten days, anyhow. Most of the people go on a spree 
after one o’ them encouragin’ meetin’s.” 

“ I presume,” said Vance, “ that Homer Winthrop is 
one of the leading spirits of the Company.” 

“ He is one of the Company,” said Gibbons, as he filled 
his pipe and lit it, “but he lacks a good deal, I can tell 
you, of bein’ the biggest toad in the puddle. There’s 
old Colonel Alexander, he’s the fellow that lays out the 
plans on a gigantic scale. Then there's General Ira 
House. I ’spect he has the biggest reputation of any 
town boomer on the western half of the continent — I 
allow as what he has. And when you’re talkin’ about 
smart ones, you don’t want to forget B. Webster Legal ; 
he’s the corporation attorney, and you can bet your last 


74 


GRA Y ROCKS. 


half dollar the company will never run agin* any shoals 
as long as he stands at the wheel and writes up contracts. 
Oh, he’s a hummer, and no mistake.” 

” It’s reported down thar' that half a dozen different 
railroad companies are tryin' mighty hard to get him for 
their attorney, but he says, ‘ Not much ; I have cast my 
fortune with my friends and with Waterville, and I’ll 
stick by the enterprise as long as a town lot can be sold.’ ” 

“The Town Company is mighty cute,” he went on. 
“They never have any law suits, ’cause their contracts 
are drawn up with knots tied knee deep all over the fellow 
they’re dealin* with.” 

It is probable that Steve Gibbons would have gone on 
indefinitely had not Vance begged to be excused, plead- 
ing a previous engagement. They bade each other good 
night, Gibbons starting for the stables to look after his 
horses, and Vance walked leisurely along toward the 
Bonifield’s home. 

That afternoon Louise had accepted 
his invitation to go on a fishing jaunt 
some day during the \veek to a place 
called Silver Point Lake, some two miles 
away. Her simplicity of manner and 
frankness, though possessing, withal, a 
demure humor, which was one of her 
charming characteristics, had greatly 
fascinated him. 

They were standing on the cottage 
porch in the soft summer twilight, while a mountain 
breeze was tossing the ringlets of Louise’s hair about, as 
if coquetting with them. Vance was studying her face 
while she was looking far away toward the western 



Angling. 


GRA V ROCKS. 


75 


mountains, where the sun had left a reddened glow on the 
sk}’, which, he said, was a promise of fair weather for the 
fishing excursion the next day. Presently, a creaky 
voice commenced calling : 

“Louise! Louise! where is your par?” and before 
Vance’s fair companion could explain, a woman well 
advanced in years came out on the porch, and seemed 
surprised at seeing Vance, and eyed him critically. 

“ Aunt Sally,” said Louise, “ this is Mr. Gilder, papa’s 
friend. Mr. Gilder, this is my Aunt Sally, father’s sister. 

Aunt Sall}^ acknowledged the introduction with a 
stately bow. Her apparel was of the fashion of a quarter 
of a century ago. 

“ Am very glad to see you, suh,” she said, addressing 
Vance. “I understand you are interested with my 
brother in his mine. I can give you, Mr. Gilder, some 
ver>' excellent advice ; I can, indeed, suh, but I will 
defer it until some other time.” Then turning to Loui.se, 
she said, “ Do you know where your par’s gone? ” 

” I do not,” replied Louise, sweetly, ” I think he will 
be here in a few moments.” 

“I just allow he’s grub-stakin’ some of them pesky 
prospectin’ miners again,” cried Aunt Sally. “Mr. 
Gilder,” she continued, “I have to watch over my 
brother very closely, I do, indeed, suh. He's been 
plantin’ money all over these mountains for many years, 
but there’s no crop ever been harvested. I allow I’ll give 
him a piece of my mind when he comes home.” Saying 
this, she turned and disappeared into the house. Louise 
was evidently confused, and regretted her aunt’s words, 
while Vance was at a loss to understand the import of the 
spinster’s remarks. 


70 


GA^AV ROCKS. 


“I am very sorr\% Mr. Gilder,” said Louise — and he 
noticed she was trembling like a frightened bird — “ sorry 
that Aunt Sally should so far forget herself as to speak so 
before a stranger. ’ ’ 



/ am goin* to give him a piect of my mind.’* 


Vance declared there was no reason for being disturbed, 
but Louise was not wholly reassured by his words. “ I 
know papa will be very angry with Aunt Sally.” 

“ There surely is no cause for that,” replied Vance. 


GRA Y ROCKS. 


77 


‘‘You see,** said Louise, “mamma died when Virginia 
and I were little girls, and Aunt Sally has been a mother 
to us. Ever since papa commenced work on Gray Rocks 
she has continually opposed him. She says he wdll never 
find a dollar’s worth of gold if he sinks his shaft a thous- 
and feet. I sometimes think she has influenced sislei 
Virgie. Sister is away from home now, teaching school 
at Waterville. I do not know whether papa is wrong or 
not, but if he is, then I am also, for I believe with all my 
heart that some time papa will find the wealth he has so 
persistently labored for so many years. And I sincerely 
hope,’* she continued, laying her hand on Vance’s arm 
and looking pleadingly up into his face, “ that you will 
not be influenced by anything that Aunt Sally may have 
said, will you?” 

Vance was only human ; he could not withstand such 
an appeal, If doubts had ever come to him, the trembling 
girl at his side, by her looks and words, had put them to 
flight. “No,** he replied, “my faith is as firm as the 
rocks in your father’s mine.” 


CHAPTER X. 


PROPERTY HAS GONE UP. 

MMEDIATELY after breakfast the 
following morning, Vance was waited 
upon by Col. Bonifield. The old 
miner bore a troubled expression on 
his face. Vance invited him to his 
room. 

“ Mr. Gilder,” said the old miner, 
as he raised himself to his full height, 
and with the dignity of a general addressed Vance: “ I 
assure yo*, suh, I am greatly pained at the uncalled fo’ 
remarks which my sister made in yo’r presence last 
evening; I am indeed, suh.” 

” I assure you,'* replied Vance, “there is no occasion 
to refer to the matter at all. I assured your daughter, 
and I now assure you, that I have every confidence in the 
mine, and will continue to have until you yourself have 
sufficient reason to shake your faiih. I certainly cannot 
say more, and under the ^rcumstances could not say less. ** 
“Mr. Gilder,” said the old miner, “ yo’, suh, are a 
vehy honorable gentleman, and I am vehy proud of my 
partnership with yo'; I am indeed, suh. In regard to my 
sister — in her younger days, I assure yo*, she was one of 
the most rema’kable women of Virginia; yes, suh, a vehy 
rema*kable woman. She certainly has been a true sister 
to me, suh, and a faithful mother to my daughters, but in 



78 


GRA Y ROCKS. 


79 


some way she disbelieves in Gray Rocks, and would yo’ 
believe it, suh, she has gone so far at times as to intimate 
that I am crazy as a March hare in regard to eveh ‘strik- 
in’ it rich’ on our minin’ property; yes, suh, she certainly 
has said some vehy bitter things against Gray Rocks, but 
fo’ all that, she is a vehy rema’kable woman, even to this 
day. Yes, suh, quite rema’kable.” 

“ I now have a matter, Mr. Gilder,” he continued, “of 
vehy great importance to discuss with yo.’’ Vance 
offered the old miner a cigar, which he accepted, and soon 
they were discussing the “important 
matter,” which of course referred to 
Gray Rocks. 

“We are not far away, Mr. Gilder, 
from the 300 foot level. Our machin- j 
ery and pumps, suh, have been workin’ 
rema'kably well. Two weeks mo’ and 
our shaft will be finished; yes, suh, fin- 
ished. Then we will cross-cut, and my 
opinion is, it will be well fo’ yo’ to re- 
main in Gold Bluff and be ready to send in yo’r resigna- 
tion as cor’spondent of that New York paper; yes, suh, 
that is my advice. It is only proper, suh, that yo’ should 
enjoy the riches that await yo’.” 

“But supposing. Col. Bonifield,” said Vance, “sup- 
posing that you do not find any pay ore when you cross- 
cut into the vein, as you say; in that event, I suppose you 
agree with me that it would be a pretty good idea for me 
to hold my position on the Hanner?'' 

“ Of cou’se, suh,” replied the old miner, “but there is 
but one chance in ten thousand that we won’t strike it. I 
admit of this one chance against us, suh, fo’ the sake of 



80 


GRA Y ROCKS. 


argument alone. Mr. Grim is now talcin’ out of the Pea- 
cock some of the richest ore I eveh saw in my life, he is 
indeed, suh — and his mine joins ours, as yo’ know, 
directly on the nawth.” 

Vance was silent for a few moments, and then said : 
“In the event. Col. Bonifield, we do not strike it; what 
then? Will you be discouraged?’’ 

“ No, suh; if we fail at the 300 foot level, suh, and yo’ 
can funiish the money, we will start the next mornin’ fo’ 
the 400 foot level; but I assure yo’, suh, I have no idea 
yo’ll have to furnish aii}’^ mo’ money. Gray Rocks is a 
sure winner; it is indeed, suh. The olde.st miners in the 
camp say that if we stick to Gray Rocks it will be worth 
mo’ in five years than Rufus Grim’s Peacock mine. 
When I was yo’r age, Mr. Gilder,’’ he continued, blow- 
ing a cloud of smoke away out of the window toward 
Gray Rocks, ‘ * I could not have stuck to that property 
year after year as I have been doin’. Why, suh, it took 
a quarter of a century's experience fo’ me to learn that ‘a 
rollin’ stone gathers no moss’; it did indeed, suh. Now 
I have obser\’ed the fellows that strike it, in nine cases 
out of ten, are the ones who follow up and hold on after 
they once strike a trail. Why, suh, if yo* had seen the 
float rock that I found befo’ stakin’ out Gray Rocks, yo’ 
would know why I believe there is an entire hill full of 
wealth over yondeh.’’ 

While they were talking there came a gentle rap on the 
door. Vance called out for them to “come in.'’ The 
door opened, and a boy sidled into the room with a letter 
in his hand and asked for Col. Bonifield. 

“At yo’r service, suh,’’ said the old miner’ rising with 
much dignity. “Thank yo’, suh,’’ said he, taking the 


GRA Y ROCKS. 


81 


letter. The boy took himself off, closing the door behind 
him, while the colonel, adjusting his glasses, read aloud 
the address, “ Miss Louise Bonifield.” 

Dropping his. glasses from his eyes, he placed the letter 
in his pocket and said: “ Mr. Boast has evidently re- 
turned to Gold Bluff.** 

“ Mr. Boast, did you say?” asked Vance. 

“Yes, suh, Mr. Boast — a young man in whom I have 
only the slightest confidence. His full name is J. Arthur 
Boast. His father. Colonel Boast, lives on a ranch about 
three miles from here.** 

Vance could never explain why, but the unfavorable 
opinion he had formed of J. Arthur Boast while at Water- 
ville was in the twinkling of an eye changed to hatred. 
Soon after. Colonel Bonifield took his departure, and 
Vance commenced preparing for his next day’s fishing 
jaunt. His door had been left ajar, and presently he 
heard a squeaky, ill-omened voice that he well remem- 
bered. 

“ How do you do, Mr. Gilder?** 

Vance turned and saw J. Arthur Boast standing at his 
door. “How do you do,** said Vance, rather abruptly. 

“ I did not expect to find you at Gold Bluff, “said Boast 
in an insinuating tone of voice. 

“Why not?** said Vance, without deigning to look up. 

“Oh, you eastern fellows, and newspaper men in par- 
ticular, never stay very long in one place. So you*ve met 
my old mining friend. Colonel Bonifield?’* 

“Yes,** replied Vance. 

“ I presume you’ve met his daughter, Miss Louise?’* As 
he made this remark he looked out of the corners of his 
restless eyes in a manner that was intended to be cunning. 


82 


GRA y ROCKS. 


Vance was full of resentment, and dared not tru -t him- 
self to make iminediate reply. Presently Boast coiilinued: 

“They are old friends of mine; a most respectable 
family. I used to live in Gold Bluff; may live here 



again. One can't say what may happen, you know.” 

“I thought,” said Vance, “you were in love with 
Waterville.” 

“ One’s in love where one’s possessions are, don’t 
you see?” 

Vance did not reply to the question, but busied himself 


GRA y ROCKS. 


8 ^ 


with his fishing tackle. Presently Boast took a bottle 
from his pocket, and said : 

“ Will you have a drink of red liquor?*’ 

Vance replied in the negative. 

“ Well, I suppose,” said Boast, ” I ought not to drink 
so much. The truth is, I am a pretty devilish hard citi- 
zen. I am drinking entirely too much of the stuff, but 
no one takes interest enough in me to tell me so; yet I 
know I’m going to the bad. The habit is formed and 
what is a fellow going to do about it?” 

He waited some time for a reply, but as Vance made 
none, he proceeded to pour out a small portion of the 
contents of the bottle into a glass, and then added some 
water to it and stood looking out of the window. 

“Won’t you be seated?” asked Vance. 

“Thank you, I believe I will,” replied Boast, and sat 
down with the glass of liquor in his hand, and said noth- 
ing for several minutes. He acted as if he dreaded the 
ordeal of swallowing the portion, but felt it would not do 
to set it aside after all he had said in regard to being a 
hard drinker. Finally he gulped it down at a single 
swallow, and then drank a great quantity of water imme- 
diately afterward. He strangled considerably and his 
eyes became very red, and evidently was glad the trial 
was over. Presently he .^^aid : 

“Mr. Gilder, there are things going to happen down 
at Watervdlle in the next ninety days that will surprise 
everyone. Some very large manufacturing eiiterprises 
will soon be located there.” 

“ That certainly is very welcome news,” replied Vance, 
“as a property owner in the new city, I am naturally 
interested in its development.’' 


84 


GJ^A y ROCKS. 


“ Property has gone up ten per cent since you were 
there. ’ ’ 

“ Is that so?’’ said Vance, looking up in some surprise. 

“ Of course,” Boast continued, “I am selling my spe- 
cial bargain list at the same old prices, but the Company 
and other real estate agents who have desk room here and 
there over the town, are trying very hard to inflate prices. 
I am holding them level, however, and intend to keep on 
doing so. I don’t propose having Waterville killed by a 
lot of town boomers, who are tr>dng to get prices away 
above intrinsic values. * ' 

” It is very fortunate,” replied Vance, ” that Waterville 
has such a conserv^ative citizen as yourself.” 

” It’s very complimentary for you to say so, I am sure,’’ 
replied Boast. “Of course, Mr. Gilder, I would not say 
anything detrimental about anyone.” 

“Certainly not,” replied Vance. The tenor of his con- 
versation was decidedly wicked in its insinuations; indeed, 
one to hear him talk would naturally think the destiny of 
Waterville rested entirely with J. Arthur Boast. Pres- 
ently, in a high, creaking voice, he said : 

“ How do you like Miss Louise?” 

“ Miss Louise?” repeated Vance, with a perplexed look 
on his face. 

“ Yes, Miss Louise Bonifield. How do you like her? 
Pretty fair specimen for the west, ain’t she?” 

“ My likes and dislikes,” said Vance, ” are hardly to 
be taken into consideration. One seldom forms an opin- 
ion until he is acquainted. Of course, there are excep- 
tions to the rule. I have known people for a very short 
time, and 3"et instinctively taken a great dislike to them. 
Miss Bonifield,” continued Vance, without looking up. 


GRA Y ROCKS. 85 

“ has the appearance of a lady of refinement and culture, 
but as my obsers'ations have been limited, I can hardly 
say more than that I am well pleased with both the young 
lady and her father/* At this Vance prepared to leave 
the room. 

“You’d better drink with me,“ said 
Boast, taking up his bottle again. “I 
am liable to drink every drop of this 
liquor before I let up, and you'd only be 
doing me a kindness by dividing it up 
with me a little.*' 

“No, thank you,” replied Vance. 
“Very well,*' said Boast. “I shall 
remain in Gold Bluff several days, and 
hope to see you often.* ' 

Vance closed the door after Boast had left his room, and 
the one word, “ Scoundrel!** hissed through his teeth. 



Scoundrel! 


CHAPTER XI. 


OWNER OF THE PEACOCK MINE. 



jHE next morning Vance was up at an early 
hour for a morning walk. He followed 
the winding road up the hill-side toward 
Gray Rocks. The air \vas fresh and 
invigorating ; the sun was just rising 
over the eastern mountains. Robins and 
mountain thrushes were twittering gaily 
their morning .songs. He mentally com- 
pared the stifled life so prevalent in the 
great cities to the healthful and exhilarating prospect 
about him. 

A shadow flitted across his mind. It was J. Arthur 
Boast’s inquiry in regard to Louise Bonifield. “ But why 
.should I be so ready to come to her rescue ? What right 
have I to be her champion ? They may be old acquaint- 
ances, but they certainly are not friends. She is too 
noble a character to form an alliance of friendship with 
such an individual as Boast. He is critical, cold, calcu- 
lating, and, I believe, unprincipled.” 

Walking on in an aimless way, he followed a path 
that led by Gray Rocks on toward the Peacock. Pres- 
ently he saw a well-dressed man in middle life walking 
toward him. There was an unmistakable look of good 
living and prosperity — a general air of superiority about 
him. His round, fat face was smooth shaven, except a 


86 


G/^A y ROCKS, 


81 


bristly dark moustache. His nose was large and obtru- 
sive. In his shirt front glistened a diamond of great 
value, while its counterpart reflected the morning sun 
from a massive ring on one of his fat, short fingers. 

“ Good morning,” said he. 



“You’re the young man from Neto York, I reckon,** said Grim. 


Vance returned the .salutation, and presently the pom- 
pous stranger introduced himself as Rufus Grim, owner 
of the Peacock. 

“ Yes, I have heard of you,’* replied Vance. 


88 


GRA Y ROCKS. 


“You’re the young man from New York, I reckon,*' 
said Grim. 

“ New York is my home.” 

“Yes, I have heard about you. I rather expected you 
over to see me. I assure you, Mr. Gilder,” he went on, 
“it would afford me great pleasure to show you through 
the Peacock. She is a fine piece of property, I can tell 
you ; none better. If you’ll walk down this way a little 
we can see the old prospect shaft where the precious 
metal of the Peacock was first discovered.” 

Vance readily consented, and presently they came to an 
old, open shaft near the brow of the mountain overlook- 
ing the village of Gold Bluff and the valley below. 

“Here,” said Rufus Grim, with a wave of his fat 
hand, “is where I commenced prospecting fifteen years 
ago. I was one of the pioneers in this mining camp. 
Sometimes I did not know where the next meal was 
coming from, but I worked on, day after day ; first for 
wages, and then for an interest in what, at the time, was 
looked upon as a labor and money losing investment. I 
stuck to it ; the other fellows didn’t. Finally I bought 
out the other fellows, and if you have heard very much 
about the histor>^ of Gold Bluff and the prosperity of her 
mines, of course you have heard about me. In fact,** he 
said, with vulgar braggadocio, “ the history of the 
Peacock and my own are so interwoven that you couldn’t 
very well hear of one and not know all about the other.” 

“Yes,” replied Vance, “I have heard a great deal of 
3'ou, Mr. Grim, and am delighted to have the pleasure of 
knowing you personall3^” 

“Yes, I presume,” said Grim, as he looked away 
toward the valley that nestled beneath their feet, ‘ ‘ I 


GRA Y ROCKS, 


89 


presume you’ve heard a great deal about Rufus Grim 
that is not true, and precious little to my credit. I have 
not a doubt but what the busy-bodies of Gold Bluff have 
told you that old, worn-out story about Steve Gibbons 
and Hank Casey, and how unjustly I treated them ; but 
I can tell you,” he continued with warmth, there’s not 
a word of truth in all that you may have heard. No, sir, 
I have climbed the ladder step by step and built up my 
own fortune, and whatever I am to-day, I have nobody 
to thank but myself.” 

assure you,” said Vance, “I have heard nothing 
particularly to your discredit. In fact, I have heard next 
to nothing at all, except that you were the owner of the 
Peacock, and that it is a paying property.” 

Rufus Grim looked at Vance at first as if he doubted 
him, and then expressed his surprise that no one had told 
him what a mean man he was. ” If you get acquainted 
with that young scoundrel. Boast, he’ll tell you quick 
enough — a miserable story ; how I cheated Casey and 
Gibbons out of their share of the mine ; but I say it’s 
false,” he continued, as he brought his fat hands down 
together, ‘ ‘ not a word of truth in any of their statements. 
No, sir. You see,” he went on, turning to the old pros- 
pect shaft, ” I have put a wall around this so that it may 
be preserved. It gratifies me to come here occasionally 
and think over the hard times of my prospecting life and 
the change that has come. It came, sir, because I made 
it come. Yonder is my home,” said he, waving his hand 
toward an elegant residence located in the suburbs of the 
village, with beautiful grounds about it. ” If there is 
any better in the Fish River mining district, I don’t 
know it.” 


90 


CJf^A Y I^OCKS. 


^'‘‘You’re home,” said Vance, “is certainly a lovely 
looking place.” 

“ You are at liberty,” said Grim “to come and see me 
whenever you desire. I can’t promise you more than 
this, that you will be welcome.” Grim made this last 
remark as if he was bestowing a great favor upon a 
stranger within the gates of Gold Bluff ; indeed, one 
might have imagined him Lord Mayor of some munici- 
pality granting the freedom of the city to some favored 
guest. 

Vance thanked him for the invitation. With a stately 
bow to Vance, Grim turned and walked toward the works 
on the Peacock, and Vance returned to the hotel refreshed 
from his walk, and interested in the fragments of the 
story he had heard from the owner of the Peacock. 

At the appointed hour he called for Louise, and, 
together, they walked briskly toward Silver Point Lake. 

Louise was all animation and life, and 
thought nothing of the two miles’ walk 
which lay before them. Indeed, she 
had followed these mountain paths 
from her early childhood, and felt less 
fatigue after a tramp of a half-dozen 
miles than many a city belle after 
walking a half-dozen blocks. 

It might be well to explain that 
Louise’s mother was a lady of great 
culture and refinement, and belonged 
to one of the oldest families of Baltimore. She died when 
Louise was only four years old. A spinster sister of 
Colonel Bonifield tried to persuade her brother to give up 
his daughters while he was leading a life in the moun- 



Uanci and Louise. 


GRA Y ROCKS. 


91 


tains, and let them be reared to womanhood at the old 
Boniiield home in Virginia, but Ben Bonifield could not 
do this. The loss of his wife was a severe blow, and to 
part with his daughters, Virginia and Louise, could not 
be thought of. Therefore, Aunt Sally had accepted her 
brother’s invitation to make her home in the mountains, 
and take upon herself the care and training of her 
brother’s children. 

Aunt Sally was a lady in the olden time possessed of 
uncommon gifts and a finished education, not only in 
classical literature, but also in music and painting. 
Louise had proven a more apt scholar than her elder 
sister, Virginia. Aunt Sally had been a most painstaking 
instructress, and her wards had grown up with minds 
enriched and cultured, while their physical development 
was in keeping with the wild freedom of a health-sustain- 
ing mountain country. 

In her later years, however. Aunt Sally had become 
greatly dissatisfied with her brother and his attachment 
for Gray Rocks, and she had developed a querulous dis- 
position, which, at times, was very annoying to Ben 
Bonifield. She lost no opportunity to express her opinion 
that “ he was fooling his time away ” while working on 
Gray Rocks. 

As .Vance and Louise walked along that morning 
toward Silver Point Lake, he could not help glancing at 
the ruddy glow on the fair cheeks of his companion. He 
listened to her childish talk of the many excursions which 
she had made with her father far over some of the tallest 
mountains that lay before them, and of numerous “fish 
frys ’’ they had enjoyed at Silver Point Lake. 

While he listened to the sweet music of her voice, he 


92 


GRA Y ROCKS. 


mentally speculated as to what sort of a friendship, if any, 
could possibly exist between such a fair creature and J. 
Arthur Boast. Presently, looking up at Vance with her 
large blue eyes, she said : 

“ We may have company at the lake.*’ 

“Why, how is that?” inquired Vance in some sur- 
prise.” 

“I received a note,” replied Louise, “from Bertha 
Allen, inviting me to go horseback riding to-day. In 
my reply I explained my previous engagement with you. 
Just before starting this morning I received a note from 
her saying that she and her cousin, Arthur Boast, would 
try to join our fishing party. Of course,” she said, with 
a sweet little laugh, “ ^’'ou do not know who Bertha Allen 
is. Bertha Allen,” she went on, “is Mr. Rufus Grim's 
step-daughter. Mr. Grim married Mrs. Allen when 
Bertha was a girl in her early teens. Mrs. Allen is 
Colonel Boast’s sister, and Bertha and Arthur are, there- 
fore, cousins. 

Vance did not fancy the prospect of meeting Boast, and 
felt that his happiness for the day would certainly be very 
incomplete if Boast was to be one of the fishing party. 

“ I have met Mr. Boast,” said Vance, with just a tinge 
of resentment in his voice. 

“ I hope you like him,” said Louise, as she turned her 
lovely face toward him with a pleading look in her eyes. 

“ May I ask you why you hope so? ” ask^d Vance, in 
almost a defiant tone. 

There was no maidenly blush on Louise’s cheeks as she 
replied with the simplicity of a child : 

‘ ‘ Why, Mr. Gilder, there is hardly anybody that likes 
Arthur, and I sometimes feel sorry for him. Mr. Grim 


G/^Ay ROCKS. 


93 


says very hard things about him, and no one seems to be 
his friend.** 

“ Perhaps he is unworthy,** replied Vance. 

For a moment Louise was silent, and then said : 

“The judgment of the world,* Mr. Gilder, is often at 
fault. We may judge with a degree of accuracy art, 
music, fame, or power, but it is hardly wise to apply the 
same rule to a human being.*’ 


CHAPTER XII. 


TROJJT FISHING. 

RIVING at the lake by a circuitous path, 
they found themselves on the banks of a 
lovely sheet of water, several hundred 
feet wide and perhaps a mile in length. 
The distinct reflection of the foliage, trees 
and mountains, which rose several hun- 
dred feet on the opposite side, made a 
double picture of enchanting loveliness. 

“ We have been waiting for you,” said Bertha Allen, 
in a flute-like voice. She was a cooing sort of a young 
lady, with a daint}^ lisp, which she evidently regarded as 
becoming. She embraced Louise and gave her one of her 
sweetest kisses, and in a half sotto voice lisped, ‘‘how 
beautiful you look to-day!’* 

Vance was presented, and Bertha honored him with one 
of her stateliest bows. There was no alternative, as Boast 
extended his hand and obser\xd that he had met Mr. 
Gilder before, but to accept the situation and make the 
best of it. 

Vance saw in Bertha Allen a young lady of about five 
and twenty, rather tall and slender, with a wasp-like 
waist. She had a small head and face, with heavy braids 
of dark brown hair, which corresponded with her long 
eye-lashes of a dark hue. Her eyes never looked straight 
at an3^one, but she continually practiced a bewitching 
habit of shy observation, evidently considering it fasci- 



94 


G/^A y ROCKS. 


95 


nating. Her mouth was small, and a noticeable dimple 
was in her chin. There was a delicate pink upon her 
cheeks, which Vance noticed as the day wore on, did not 
come and go, but remained as one of her permanent 
features. There was a poetry in her movements, how- 
ever, which admirably htted her slow, soft tone of lisping 
speech. Her slender form was robed in a pretty costume 
of pink, with black lace and ribbons. It was a costume 
of frills and laces, coquetishly arranged, making her 
graceful figure more symmetrical in arrangement. There 
were puffings here and there, which concealed defects, if 
any existed, and revealed her womanly charms to the 
best advantage. She talked a good deal, and called 
Louise her own “dear darling.” Here every sentence 
was a lisp, and she told Cousin Arthur he was “simply 
horrid to kill the poor worms in baiting the hooks.’’ 

Vance noticed that Boast was ready at any time to neg- 
lect his stylish cousin to engage in conversation with 
Louise. He found himself interpreting Bertha Allen’s 
attempts to entertain and interest him, as the act of an 
accomplice, to enable Boast to have a tete-a-tete with 
Louise. There was consolation, however, in the fact that 
he did not believe Louise favored Arthur Boast's atten- 
tions. 

“ How Arthur and Louise are enjoying themselves! ’’ 
lisped Bertha Allen, in a sweet, confiding way, to Vance. 

“ Do you think their enjoyment is superior to ours?” 
asked Vante. 

“No more than mine,” she replied demurely, “but 
possibly more than yours.” This was followed by a sil- 
very little laugh. 

“ I fear I am not very entertaining,” said Vance. 


1)0 • 


GRA Y ROCKS. 


‘*On the contrary, Mr. Gilder,*’ replied Bertha, “I 
think you are a ver>^ charming companion. Are you 
from Virginia?” she asked. 

No; my people were from Virginia. I was bora and 
reared in New York City.” 



Don't you think I am horrid to go on talking this way to you? 


‘ ‘ The Bonifields are Virginians. They seem to think, ” 
continued Bertha, ‘ ‘ that all good people come from Vir- 
ginia or Baltimore. I sometimes wish I had been bom in 
Virginia.’* 


GRA Y ROCKS. 


97 


“ I never noticed that peculiarity,” replied Vance, in 
either Colonel Bonifield or his daughter.” 

“Oh, I don’t mean, Mr. Gilder, they are affected. 
Don’t you think I am horrid to go on talking this way to 
you? But really, is not Louise one of the sweetest little 
darlings in the world?” 

Vance was bored, but turning toward Bertha Allen and 
smiling at her pretty up-turned face, replied : 

“You ask me so many questions. Miss Allen, that I do 
not know which to answer first.” 

She looked archly at Vance, and said: “Do not 
answer either of them, for I know I would be dissatisfied 
with your reply. Is not that a beautiful botanical speci- 
men? Really, Mr. Gilder,” she continued, “ I sometimes 
do not know what I am saying. I know you will think 
me awfully stupid.” 

The well modulated and lisping voice of Bertha Allen 
possessed a charm of its own, and Vance found himself 
interested in studying the difference between the sweet » 
simple, unaffected Louise, and the affected, calculating 
Miss Allen. 

“Don't you think, Mr. Gilder, that Louise has great 
individuality?” 

“ I believe her to be a most exemplary young lady,” 
replied Vance, “and possessed of a good mind.” 

“ Oh, you think that, do you?” said Bertha, lisping and 
laughing like the silvery tones of a flute. “You are not 
the only one, Mr. Gilder, that thinks that way. I mean 
Cousin Arthur. Oh, he’s awfully smitten.” 

“ Indeed!” replied Vance. 

“What a beautiful picture,” said Bertha presently. 

‘ ‘ The waters mirror the trees and the mountains so 


7 


98 


GRA Y ROCKS. 


distinctly. Let us look over the bank at our own 
reflections.’* 

“ Permit me to hold your hand,” said Vance, “and I 
will prevent your falling. There — can you see yourself?” 

“ Oh, just .splendidly!” lisped Bertha. “ It is clear as 
a PVench plate mirror. Shall I support you, Mr. Gilder, 
while you look ?” 

“No, thank you,” replied Vance, “I am not fond of 
looking at homeliness. I would rather look at you.” 

“Oh, Mr. Gilder, you men are such flatterers! I 
thought better things of you. ” 

“ And why of me?‘* asked Vance, teasingly. 

“ Louise has spoken of you so many times,” she replied, 
“ and in such flattering terms, that I was very anxious to 
meet you. Indeed, I had quite made up my mind that 
you were different from other men. Let us turn down 
this way, Mr. Gilder. Let me see — what was I saying? 
I thought you must be different; but I guess men are all 
about alike.” 

“ I feel highly honored,” replied Vance, “to think that 
Miss Bonifield should have spoken of me at all.” 

Bertha stopped and looked at Vance for a moment in 
silence, and then said: 

“ Men are so conceited. There is no sentiment, I 
assure you, in Louise.” 

“Your frankness is quite charming. Miss Allen.” 

“ Oh, do you think so?” said Bertha, with a sweet lisp. 

“Yes; and as to Miss Bonifield, I beg to differ from 
you. She certainly possesses in a high degree that senti- 
ment peculiar to the children of nature. She loves all 
that is natural, and in the tenderness of her heart, pities 
the assumed.” 


GJ^A Y ROCKS. 


99 


‘•How unfortunate, Mr. Gilder, said Bertha, “that 
love is not reciprocal.” 

Before Vance could reply, Louise called to them and 
soon after she and Boast came up, declaring the day had 
been a great success. Arthur and Vance divided the 
catch equally, and sooii with their baskets swinging from 
their shoulders, they started for home. Bertha was pro- 
fuse in her invitations to Mr. Gilder to call, and he prom- 
ised to do so. He was quite glad, however, when they 
finally separated and he had Louise all to himself. 

“I hope you have enjoyed the day as much as you 
anticipated, Mr. Gilder,” said Louise. 

“ If I am anything,” replied Vance, “ I am frank; and 
therefore confess I would have enjoj^ed it far more with- 
out Boast and his pretty cousin.” 

“ I knew you would think her pretty,” said Louise; 
‘ ‘ ever}' one does. ’ ’ 

“ And do you think she is pretty?” asked Vance. 

‘'Yes, indeed,” replied Louise, “I have seen no one, 
even in your great city of New York, half .so handsome 
as Bertha.” 

“You are certainly generous in your compliments,” 
said Vance. 

“Bertha has such a sweet way about her, and she 
always makes one feel so at his ease.” 

Before Vance had time to reply. Colonel Bonifield waved 
his pipe and blew out a cloud of smoke as an act of wel- 
come to the returning fishermen. Vance displayed his long 
.string of speckled beauties, and the Colonel assured him 
they had made a great success. “ I have been thinkin’ 
of yo’ all day,” he continued, “and had half a mind, upon 
my honor I did, suh, to come oveh and help yo’ out.” 


100 


G/?A y ROCKS. 


Soon after, Vance took leave of the Bonifields, and 
started for tlie hotel. His respect for generous- hearted 
Louise was increasing. “Yes/' said Vance to himself, 
“she is a child of nature. vShe does not know how to 
dissemble, and her heart is too pure to be resentful." His 
pleasant reverie was broken by encountering Boast at the 
hotel, who had arrived a little before him. 

His shoes had been exchanged for polished ones, yet 
he comphiiiied about his negligee appearance, and stooped 
to brush the least .speck of dust or cigar ashes that might 
have found lodgment on his trousers or 
coat sleeves, and kept assuring Vance that 
he knew he “looked rougher than a miner." 
As a matter of fact, he was spotlessly at- 
attired, as was his custom. Even in his 
office at Waterville, he seemed backward 
about doing any business, for fear of soiling 
his hands in ink, or getting his desk out of 
order. Stepping into the bar-room of the 
hotel, they found seats near an open door, 
and Vance determined to gain as much information as he 
could from what Boast might have to say. .As they 
seated themselves, Vance .said : 

“ I met Mr. Grim this morning." 

“Oh. did you?" replied Boast. “There is a man," he 
continued, “ diat ought to be hung. He’s a robber!" 

“ A robber?" asked Vance. 

“Yes. Fifteen years ago," continued Boast, “my 
father was the richest man in this part of Idaho. He was 
engaged then as now in the cattle and horse ranching 
business. He owns a very large ranch three miles from 
here down the valle3^ Grim came to the mining camp 



7 be itnmaculate 
*Boast. 




G/^Ay ROCKS, 


101 



He is a robber! 


without a dollar in his pocket and worked by the day. 
An opportunity presented itself for him to steal from his 
associates. He not only stole everything in sight, but by 
fraud and misrepresentation secured possession of ti e 
Peacock. He is an ignorant old boor. 

Ten years ago he married my aunt, the 
widow Allen, who is fully fifteon years 
his senior. He wanted a position in 
society and a home. My aunt is a 
stickler on all that’s polite, but notwith- 
standing her training and all of old 
Grim's wealth, she has been unable to 
gild him over with even an appearance 
of culture, learning or decency. I never 
call at his house. They own perhaps the finest residence 
ill the state of Idaho. If you will talk with Rufus Grim 
half an hour, it will be a wonder if he does not tell you 
that I am the biggest scoundrel outside the penitentiary; 
and it is all because my cousin Bertha is my friend. 
Sometimes I think he is afraid I will niarr>^ her. I believe 
he is in love with Bertha himself, and is only waiting for 
my aunt to die. It may be unwise for me to talk so 
plainly, Mr. Gilder, but when I think of that old repro- 
bate, I become desperate ” 

There was certainly ho half insinuation in this state- 
ment, but rather a fiendish denunciation of the rich miner. 

” I think,” said Boast, ” we’d better have something to 
drink. I have a bottle in my pocket, but you are not 
very sociable, and I don't presume you will drink with 
me. ' ' 

” No,” said Vance, ” I am just as much obliged, but I 
do not feel the need of any stimulant this evening.” 


102 


GRA Y ROCKS. 


“ I have abstained all day/’ said Boast, “ out of respect 
for the ladies.” His voice began to sound piping, and 
his restless eyes no longer looked squarely at Vance, but 
confined themselves to side-long glances, as if he were 
trying to discover what his feelings were toward his cousin 
and Miss Louise. 

“They are pretty fhir specimens, eh, for the moun- 
tains? The ladies, I mean; the ladies.” 

Vance answered in the affirmative. 

“ My cousin is terribly taken with you, Mr. Gilder; if 
she was not my cousin I would feel jealous of you.” As 
Vance made no reply. Boast continued: “ I know I am 
going down hill at a pretty rapid rate, all on account of 
this red liquor.” Tipping up the bottle, he took a swal- 
low, coughed immoderately afterward, and made wry 
faces, as if he were mentally damning all the “red 
liquor” to perdition. 

“There’s only one thing that will ever save Bertha 
Allen, and that is for old Grim to die. My aunt would 
inherit the wealth, and of course, in that event, Bertha 
would be an heiress. At present, she is entirely depend- 
ent upon his generosity. I understand,” continued Boast, 
“ Colonel Bonifield has about reached the 300 foot level. 
If I have one hope greater than another, it is that he will 
strike it ten times richer than old Grim ever did. In that 
event,” he continued, while he furtively glanced at 
Vance, “ there will be another heiress in Gold Bluff.” 

That night, after Vance found the seclusion of his 
room, he worked far into the early hours of morning, 
finishing a letter to the banner, a letter full of decided 
opinions. 


CHAPTER XIII. 


THE STAGE RIDE. 

HE following morning Vance for- 
warded to the Banner office a two 
column article, which he consid- 
ered the finest of all his western 
letters. 

The chief was at Buzzard’s Bay 
enjoying a much needed rest^ when 
Vance’s letter was received. The 
assistant managing editor did little 
more than glance over the manu- 
script and observe to the dramatic critic, as he hung the 
copy on the hook, that “Young Gilder was sending in 
some excellent articles from the Northwest.” The article 
was headed “Two Honorable Exceptions.” It pro- 
ceeded, in a most logical manner, to give the output of 
precious metals from the mining town of Butte City. 

His statistics were carefully revised, showing there was 
five times as much capital per capita in the mining camp 
of Butte City, with her 50,000 people, as in the cities of 
New York, Philadelphia or Boston. 

Vance had spent a good deal of time in preparing the 
article, and every statement was supplemented with irre- 
fragable proof. The latter half of the article was devoted 
to Waterville and the agricultural resources of the Thief 
River Valley. The exports of surplus crops had increased 



103 


104 


GRA Y ROCKS. 


from loo carloads per annum to 3,000 carloads in four 
years’ time, and a clever comparison was drawn between 
the farmers of eastern and New England vStates and the 
farmers of the great Thief River Valley, showing that for 
a given amount of labor, the farmer in the Thief River 
Valley received at least three dollars where the eastern 
farmer received only one. 

The wonderful water power in the rapids of the Thief 
River, where the new town of AVaterville was building, 
was also dwelt upon, as well as the centrality of location 
of the new city — not only from a local standpoint, but as 
to the entire northwestern section of the United States. 
The yield of wheat and other cereals was briefly referred 
to, all showing that Gilder had been most painstaking in 
preparing the article. 

The managing editor, at Buzzard's Bay, was enjoying 
his morning smoke when the Banner 
was laid on his table. Glancing it over 
leisurely, his eye caught the head-lines, 

“Two Honorable Exceptions.” In a 
moment he was all animation. His 
cigar was permitted to go out in his 
general neglect of everything else, in 
devouring every sentence and word of 
the article. He then paced back and 
forth across his room and swore like a 
pirate, declaring he would not have had 
the article appear in the columns of the Banner for $10,000. 

“Just to think,” said he, ” the very thing I sent that 
young fool of a Gilder into the west to accomplish, he 
has in this one article spoiled forever. Half a dozen of 
my friends have been asking me about mining invest- 



Tbe managing editor. 


CJ^A y ROCKS. 


105 


ments in Butte City. I have pleaded ignorance, but 
assured them we had sent a trusty man to inspect the 
merits of such investments, and they could expect reliable 
information in the columns of the banner. Here it is, 
and a pretty mess he has made of it. He has,"^ continued 
the managing editor, angrily, “ completely lost his head; 
only one thing will bring him to h’s senses, and that is a 
prompt dismissal from the Banner force.’’ 

Accordingly he wired the assistant managing editor, 
directing him to notify Mr. Gilder by letter that his 
services were no longer required. He also instructed his 
assistant to send the clearest headed man on the force 
immediately to Butte City, Montana, and Watervdile, 
Idaho, and have an article for the coming Sunday issue 
that would entirely counteract the effect of Mr. Gilder’s 
communication. 

While these arrangements were being made at the Ban- 
ner office, Vance was preparing to return to Butte City by 
way of Waterville, in order to make some investigations 
and secure additional information for his next letter to the 
banner. 

The old miner, Ben Bonifield, had assured him they 
would reach the 300 foot level by the following Saturday 
night, and Vance promised to return to Gold Bluff early 
the following week. Vance waited over one stage in 
order to travel in the one driven by Steve Gibbons. 

As a special mark of distinction to Vance, Gibbons 
invited him to a seat on the top of the stage. As they 
were whirled away from the beautiful little village ot Gold 
Bluff, the sun was beginning to gild with gold the eastern 
hills. Vance felt it was a sight never to be forgotten. 
The evening before starting he was at the Bonifields. 


106 


GkA Y ROCkS, 


When Louise said good-bye, with the sweet truthfulness 
of youth, and assured him that she would be lonely when 
he was gone, he felt like declaring then and there, he 
would stay forever if she would but make the requevSt. 
She gave Vance a letter of introduction to her sister Vir- 
ginia, whom Vance promised to call upon as soon as pos- 
sible after reaching Waterville. 

Steve Gibbons was in his element on 
top of the stage coach. He chatted away 
in a vivacious manner, recounting various 
reminiscences of the different mountain 
gorges, here and there, where fine speci- 
mens of float rock had been discovered at 
different times. Again he would tell of 
some thrilling adventure with the Indians, 
and marvelous hair-breadth escapes. Gib- 
bons invariably figured in these narratives 
as one of the principal characters. Presently he said : 

‘‘ I don’t reckon you met Grim, did you?” 

“Rufus Grim?” said Vance; “yes, I had the pleasure 
of meeting him only a few days ago.” 

“I ’spect,” said Gibbons, “that Rufus Grim is the 
biggest scoundrel unhung in these diggins. He thinks 
he’s mighty pert, but Hank Casey and me’ll teach him 
afore long that other people can be a mighty sight perter 
than what he is. The only hearty, overgrown regret 
that I’ve never been able to get rid of is that I didn’t 
twist his neck ten years ago. ’ ’ 

“What grievance have you,” asked Vance, “against 
Mr. Grim? One would naturally .suppose the owner of 
the richest mine in the Fish Riv^er Mining District would 
be respected instead of disliked.” 



Gibbons* invitation. 


GRA Y ROCKS. 


107 


Steve Gibbons pushed his sombrero back from his fore- 
head, as if to relieve his pent up feelings, swung his long 
whip twice around his head, and made the welkin ring as 
he cracked it over the backs of his dappled leaders. 

He then expectorated a vigorous “pi t-tew'’ of tobacco 
juice, and said: “I reckon one can’t always judge by 
appearances. When Steve Gibbons says that Rufus Grim 
is a scoundrel, he is a pretty good jedge of what he is 
say in’, and he mighty near means what he says, pardner. 
Somebody’s goin’ to be jerked out of the kinks "fore long, 
and — ’twixt ourselves — I think that somebody is Rufus 
Grim. Hank Casey an’ me are old pards, and we’ve 
employed B. Webster Legal. He’s the corporation attor- 
ney for the Waterville Town Company. You won’t be 
takin’ no chances, pardner, of bettin’ your last dollar that 
old Grim will think somebody’s after him with a sharp 
stick and a diamond drill in the end of it ’afore B. Web- 
ster Legal gets through with him. I tell you, Jedge 
Legal is a cuss in ,the court room. He can whip his 
weight in wild-cats in a law suit. Of course, I don’t 
mean that he’s goin' to leave the Town Company; he’ll 
never do that as long as a lot can be sold — he says so his- 
self. Hank and I hev made a bargain with him, and old 
Grim is goin’ to be ousted. The Peacock belongs to 
Hank Casey and me. What do you think of that?’’ 

“ I assure you,” replied Vance, “ you interest me very 
much. I supposed Mr. Grim was the owner of the Pea- 
cock.” 

Again Steve Gibpons’ long whip cracked like a pistol 
shot over the backs of his horses. Presently he said: 

“ I don’t tell everybody, pardner, but I "spect it makes 
no difference with you. You see, when Rufus Grim came 


108 


G/^A y ROCKS. 


to Gold Bluff some fifteen years ago, he was so darnation 
poor he couldn’t buy a meal of victuals. Hank and I had 
staked out the Peacock. We had found some mighty rich 
float rock in that part of the mountain, and knew the 



The stage ride. 


precious stuff was not very far away. We ‘ grub-staked * 
Grim and put him to work on wages, and while he was 
workin’, he struck a ‘pocket’ and found free gold — a reg- 
ular vault full of yellow stuff. He commenced his treach- 
ery by stealin* every grain of it, and then cleverly walled 


GRA Y ROCKS, 


109 


up that part of the shaft and continued diggin’ in the 
opposite direction, endeavorin’ to get as far away from 
the place where he had made the discovery as possible. 
Well, by and by Hank Casey and me got tired of payin’ 
out money, and we sold out the Peacock for a mere song 
to Grim. Soon after, the name of Rufus Grim was known 
all over the mountain district as a bonanza king. He 
organized an immense company,' and owns most of the 
stock himself. Within six months after we were defrauded 
of our rights in the Peacock, he was a rich man, and has 
been gettin’ richer ever since. Hank Casey and me have 
a whole lot of evidence. B. Webster Legal says if we can 
prove what we claim, that we have got a lead pipe cinch 
on the Peacock. The papers are bein’ drawn up, and 
things are goin’ to be sizzlin’ hot for Rufus Grim before 
many moons go over his head.” 

Vance expressed much surprise and sympathy at the 
injustice he had sustained. 

“Say, pardner,” said Steve, “ I kind o’ reckon you’re 
shinin’ up a little toward old Bonifield’s gal, ain’t you?’’ 
and he nudged Vance in the ribs with his elbow. 

The question was so unexpected that Vance hardl}^ 
knew how to reply. “ I hope,’’ replied Vance, “ that I 
am not in disfavor with the young lady, or her father 
either. I own an interest in Gray Rocks.” 

“The dickens you do!” said Steve Gibbons. “ Well, 
if there’s any man in these mountains, pardner, who 
ought to strike it, old Ben Bonifield is the one. He’s 
been stickin to Gray Rocks for a good many years, and is 
one of the squarest men in the Fish River Minin’ District, 
while that gal of his — why, she is the gem of all these 
diggins. I did think J. Arthur Boast had the inside 


110 


G/^A y ROCKS. 


track on the Bonifielcl ranch, but here lately I 'lowed as 
maybe Boast was playin' second fiddle; but then you 
can’t tell how a game is goin ' to end until the last card 
is played.” 

Vance made no reply, but ground his teeth in silent 
anger at the mention of Boast’s name. 

It was late that night when they arrived at Waterville. 


- '' '■>- 


CHAPTER XIV. 

THE TOWN company’s MEETING. 


AREY the next morning Dick Ballard 
rapped on Vance’s door, and being 
admitted, greeted him warmly, and 
assured him he was might}" glad to see 
him again. 

“There’s goin’ to be a meetin’ of the 
Town Company.” 

“ Is that so ? ” said Vance. 

“Yes; the hul kit and bilin’ of ’em 
are here, ’ ’ replied Ballard. ^ ‘ There’s Colonel Alexander, 
Homer "NVinthrop, General Ira House and his brother. 
Jack House, B. Webster Legal and Marcus Donald. 
Donald is the resident director of the Town Company.” 

Vance said he would be glad to meet them. 

“Well, you’ll see the keenest lot of men,” said Ballard, 
‘ ‘ this here country has ever pulled together. Every one 
of ’em is a strong man and a hustler from the word go. 
What I say about ’em you’ll find is prima fade,'' After 
a little, Dick Ballard winked one eye at Vance and said : 

“ I feel a bottle in my pocket, and I wouldn’t wonder a 
mite there was suthin’ in it that wouldn’t taste bad. A 
little spirits is mighty good for a feller when he has had a 
hard day’s ride.” 

Vance assured him that he was much obliged, but was 



111 


112 


GRA V ROCKS. 


thoroughly refreshed by his night’s rest, and a light 
breakfast was all he wanted. 

‘‘We usually,” replied Ballard, “accommodate fellows 
that want that kind of a breakfast ; in fact, some of our 
breakfasts are too darned light. I’ll go down and see 
what I can skirmish up for you.” 

At the door Dick Ballard turned and said, “ Oh, yes, 
have you heard the news? ” 

“ No, I do not remember of having heard anything of 
a startling character,’’ replied Vance. 

“ Well, by Ned, I supposed you had heard all about 
it,’’ said Ballard, as he leaned against the door and looked 
wise. 

“ Well, what is it ? ” queried Vance. 

“Well, sir, our militia company has got a new snare 
drum, and, gosh all fish hooks ! but she is a rat-tat-tat- 
to-or from away back ! ’ ’ The door closed and Old Dick 
Ballard retreated, merrily whistling “ Away down in 
Dixie.’’ 

After breakfast, Vance was escorted to the Town Com^ 
pany’s office, where he met the different members of the 
company. Each vied with the other in showing him 
courtesies. 

“I presume,” said Homer Winthrop, as they drew a 
little aside from the others, ‘ ‘ that you have never met as 
remarkable men as you see in my associates.” He looked 
radiant, inserted his thumbs in the armholes of his vest, 
and continued : 

“ Colonel Alexander is possessed of one of the richest 
brains of any man I ever knew. Our attorney, Mr. 
Legab is a star of the first magnitude in his profession, 
and can whip a small army in a lawsuit, while Gen. Ira 


GRA Y ROCKS, 


113 


House has a reputation superior to any man in the Rocky 
Mountains as a town builder. Now, if he,’* continued 
Winthrop, should go into the midst of a desert and say, 

‘ Here a great city shall be built, ’ you would make 
no mistake in taking a ‘ flyer ’ on some dirt in that 
vicinity. Then there is Jack House, the General’s 
brother, who is, in his specialty, a most remarkable man. 
He is sometimes called ‘ the Conspirator ’ of our gang, 
because of his ability to set up jobs on the enemy and 
down ^em.” 

“ By Jove, look,” said Winthrop, pointing out of the 
window, while his face became animated, “do you see 
that young lady on the other side of the street? That’s 
Miss Virgie Bonifield, and I venture to say she’s one of 
the loveliest girls in the Rocky Mountains.” 

“ I have a message for her, sent by her sister,” replied 
Vance. “I will be under many obligations if you’ll 
introduce me to the young lady.’’ 

“With pleasure, ” replied Winthrop, “as soon as the 
town meeting adjourns we will call upon her.’’ 

The meeting w^as called to order, with Colonel Alex- 
ander in the chair. 

The chairman cleared his throat several times with 
marked vehemence, and said : 

“ Gentlemen, we have again met to deliberate upon the 
destiny ofWaterville and the great Thief River Valley. 
It is no small matter for gigantic intellects to thus 
assemble as a deliberative body, to arrange, by resolu- 
tions or otherwise, questions of great moment. The 
leading question to-day, gentlemen, is that of mind over 
matter. We have said to one another, ‘ Waterville shall 
become a great city; ’ our united efforts are concentrated 
8 


1 ’ 


114 


GRA Y ROCKS, 


ill this work. The story of the bundle of .sticks is as true 
to-day as when the fable was first written. 

“The wealth, gentlemen, of our united intellects is 
bearing down in concentrated rays against every opposi- 
tion, and with hammer and tongs we are reaching out in 



** Gentlemen, we have again met to deliberate upon the destiny of Waterville.'’ 


every direction, and are making one of the grandest 
campaigns the country has ever witnessed. Gentlemen, 
what is the pleasure of this meeting? 

The Coloners earnestness could not be doubted. When 


GRA Y ROCKS. 


115 


he sat down he fondled his gold-headed cane with, appar- 
ent tenderness, as if he were ashamed of the way he had 
abused it in emphasizing his remarks by punching it into 
the floor in a most merciless fashion. 

B. AVebster Legal, addressing the chairman, said : “I 
am proud again to meet my distinguished associates as a 
deliberative body. For the benefit of our beloved citizens 
of Waterville, wdio are crowding into this room of delibera- 
tion, and standing in front of the windows eagerly listen- 
ing to the important proceedings of this meeting, I will 
say that only men in the broadest term — men with an 
abundance of gray matter clinging to their brains — could 
possibly have accomplished the feats which have char- 
acterized the acts of the Waterville Town Company from 
its organization up to the present time. I feel, Mr. 
President and gentlemen, that our untiring eflbrts are 
about to be crowned with a success little dreamed of by 
the most hopeful. 

‘ ‘ From a legal point of view, I am proud to assure you 
that the Watervdlle Town Company is in a most safe and 
healthy condition. I have frequently observed, and will 
•again say, I am not a seller of lots, but I assure each 
and every one of you that I am here to stay by this 
company as long as a lot can be vSold. So far as legal 
knots are concerned, I will untie them ; or, failing to 
do so, will, with the sharp edge of the law, cleave them 
asunder. ’ ' 

The attorney’s remarks were greeted with applause as 
he sat down. 

The chairman jarred the frail building by again clear- 
ing his throat, and requested B. Webster Legal to make 
a report of the assets of the Waterville Town Company. 


lift 


GjRA V ROCKS. 


“Mr. Chairman,’' said B. AVebster Legal, “I have 
recently looked over the list of property owned by the 
Waterville Town Company, and find that we have assets 
amounting to some two millions of dollars.” 

As the attorney sat down there was a satisfied look 
upon his face suggestive of the millionaire. 

The chairman looked over his spectacles and said, 
“ Gentlemen, you have heard, and no doubt with pardon- 
able elation, the statement of our honored associate, Judge 
Legal. There are eight of us,” he continued, “ and two 
millions means a quarter of a million each. Within two 
years, sirs, these assets will have doubled in value. There 
are men whose statements I would not rely implicitly 
upon without discounting them — say, fifty or seventy-five 
per cent — but, gentlemen, when it comes to downright 
conservatism, why, my level-headed friend the Judge 
takes the jackpot. Yes, sir, I undertake to say, gentle- 
men, he is the king bee of us all in cutting square into 
the heart of a proposition^ and analyzing it with a pre- 
cision that is truly remarkable ; and when he says two 
millions, I have no hesitancy, gentlemen, in staking my 
reputation that it is three millions if it is a cent. ’ ’ 

As the chairman sat down he looked carefully at his 
gold-headed cane again to make sure it had sustained no 
injury. 

Marcus Donald, the resident Town Company’s director, 
addressed the meeting, and said : 

“ Mr. Chairman, I never felt so rich in my life as I do 
at the present moment. I regret that my ancestors are 
not alive to rejoice with me in the prosperity I am now 
enjoying. There is a reason in this contemplated pros- 
perity. First, the great natural opportunities in this 


GRA Y ROCKS. 


117 


wonderful valley, and, second, the unity of action on the 
part of the members of car Town Company. 

‘ ‘ I have here a small matter to which I wish to call 
the directors* attention. It is a liver}^ bill of some eighty 
dollars that is past due, and, perhaps, 
we had better arrange for it.” 

Judge Tegal rose to a point of order. 
He said that such small details as pay- 
ing livery bills had no place in the 
deliberations of this body of men. ‘ ‘ It 
is the duty of the auditing committee 
to first approve and then look after 
the payments of small items like ex- 
pense bills.” 

The livery Biu. Director Donald stated in reply that 

B. Webster Legal was a member of the auditing com- 
mittee as well as himself, and, doubtless, knew the bill 
had been approved of long ago, but that there were no 
funds with which — 

'‘Order!” shouted the chairman, punching his gold- 
headed cane vigorously into the floor. ‘ ‘ I sustain the 
point of order made by this corporation’s attorney. Let 
us now proceed with the deliberations of weighty and 
progressive questions.” 

Gen. Ira House sat propped back in his chair in a 
retired corner of the room, and until now had maintained 
silence, save the fetching and labored puffs of his cigar, 
which almost completely enveloped him in a cloud of 
smoke. As he straightened himself up, he pushed his 
chair in front of him, elevated one foot to the seat and 
rested his left elbow on his elevated knee. He wore an 
expression on his face becoming a philosopher. 



118 


GRA V ROCKS. 


“ Mr. Chairman/’ said he, ‘‘it seems to me we’re drift- 
ing.” He looked wise and waited a moment for his 
remark to take effect. ” Drifting,” he continued, ”is 
weakness. If we drift, we scatter ; if we scatter, we fall. 
Now, gentlemen,” he continued, ”we must not drift. 
There are important business matters awaiting our atten- 
tion. I hold in my hand a letter from a party who wants 
to know if Waterville would not be a good place to start 
a foundry. Now, gentlemen, do we want a foundry at 
Waterville, or do we not? That is the question before 
this meeting.” 

As Gen. House sat down, the crowd cheered him 
lustily, stamped their feet, clapped their hands, and cries 
of ” Good !” ” That’s business !” ” That’s the talk !’’ 

were heard on all sides among the citizens who were 
listening with bated breath to the proceedings of the 
Town Company’s meeting. 

” I move,” said Jack House, ” that we want a foundry 
at Waterville, and resolutions to that effect be prepared, 
inviting the party, whoever he is, to locate his foundry 
here.” 

” Order, gentlemen!” shouted the chairman, again 
clearing his throat. ” Mr. Secretary, please record in the 
minutes of this meeting, if there are no objections, the 
unanimous vote in favor of the foundry, and prepare a 
set of elaborate resolutions, which we will sign, inviting 
the party making the inquiry to come at once to Water- 
vtlle and locate his foundry.” 

The throng of citizens broke into cheers at this 
announcement, and the word was soon passed through 
the throng to the outer circle, that a foundry was to be 
located at Waterville. Presently, three cheers and a 


GRA Y ROCKS. 


119 


tiger were proposed for the new foundry, and the delibera- 
tions of the Town Company were necessarily delayed 
until the cheering had ceased. 

Marcus Donald, addressing the chairman, said: “I 
have received a communication from the owners of a sash, 
blind and door factory, who seem quite desirous of casting 
their lot with us. I suggest the importance of taking 
official notice of their communication.” 

The throng of citizens waited almost breathlessly, and 
with a fair degree of patience, to see what was to be done 
in regard to the sash, blind and door factory. Judge 
Degal moved that the suggestion offered by Director 
Donald be acted upon, and that a resolution favoring the 
sash, blind and door factory be voted upon. As he sat 
down, three other directors seconded the motion. 

"You have heard the question,” said the chairman. 
"Unless there is some opposition, we will regard it as 
carried unanimously. ” He looked over his spectacles a 
moment, and as no one offered an objection, he brought 
his gold-headed cane down with a sharp rap upon the 
floor, and said " Carried !” 

Again the word was passed from citizen to citizen onto 
the waiting mob without, that Waterville was to have a 
sash, blind and door factory. Again huzzas and cheering 
rent the air, and impeded, to a certain degree, the delibera- 
tions of the Town Company’s meeting. 

At this juncture, a clerk of the local bank — the only 
one that Waterville could boast of — presented himself and 
asked permission to address the directors. 

"What is the nature of your business, young man ?” 
asked Col. Alexander, clearing his throat threateningly 
and looking hard at the clerk over his spectacles. 


120 


GRA Y ROCKS. 


‘ ‘ I have a sight draft for $50, drawn on the Watervdlle 
Town Company for printing stock certificates.” 

The chairman and his seven colleagues came to their 
feet in righteous indignation. ‘‘A sight draft on us?” 
they cried, almost in unison. Several of the directors 
shouted, “ Mr. Chairman ! Mr. Chairman at the top of 
their voice, but in his indignation the chairman failed to 
take notice of them. Presently a silence, caused by sheer 
consternation, succeeded the first burst of surprise. Judge 
Legal, mounting a chair, said : 

“Mr. Chairman! I move you that article 57 of our 
by-laws be copied and certified to under our corporate seal 
and delivered to this young gentleman, that he may return 
it with the sight draft. Here is the wording of article 57 : 

“ Further, that this corporation, the Watervdlle Town 
Company refuses to honor or pay sight drafts from any 
and all sources.” 

“ You have heard the question, “ said the excited chair- 
man, bringing his cane down with great vehemence. 
“ Do I hear a second ?” 

“ We all second it,” shouted the other 
directors. 

“Mr. Secretary^” said the chairman, 

‘ ‘ record the question as carried unani- 
mously.’* 

Silence having been restored. Judge 
Legal again addressed the chair : 

“Mr. Chairman,’’ said he, “of all 
pieces of unpardonable and unmitigated 
gall, I consider the one we have just been 
subjected to as the most trying and humiliating. I move 
you, sir,’’ he continued, “that all printing matter ordered 



B. Webster Legal. 


GRA V ROCKS. 


121 


In the future by the AVaterville Town Company be sent 
to another printing establishment. ’ ’ 

“Unless there is opposition, we will consider the 
question as carried unanimously,” said the chairman. 
At this juncture the chairman took the floor, and 
addressing the directors, said : 

“There are times when, notwithstanding the power of 
our united intellects, questions of a very exasperating 
nature confront us, and, momentarily, we are at a loss 
to know just what to do ; but it is only momentarily — we 
meet every crisis. It takes us a very short time to 
decide ; and, with us, decision is action. 

‘ ‘ In my experience I have observed that, occasionally, 
storms of opposition sweep down upon men like an 
irresistable avalanche. At such times it is well to retreat 
to some protected place and let the vStorm tire itself out — 
beat itself into exhaustion, so to speak — until its very 
protest becomes a dead silence. Refreshed with the rest 
we have had, we may then safely sally forth, and, with^ 
renewed vigor, arrrange a flank movement on the enemy, 
and everlastingly choke opposition into a coipse.’* 

When the chairman sat down he motioned Vance to his 
side, and said, sotto voce: “Was not that a master stroke, 
Mr. Gilder? Do not we meet and dispose of questions 
that would simply stuftip any ordinary body of men into 
inaction ? Opposition does not faze us ; no sir, we know 
our rights, and are here to fight for them.” 

The citizens were very much elated over the prospects 
of a foundry and a sash, blind and door factory at Water- 
ville. Their gratitude to the Town Company was very 
marked, and was evidenced by three hearty cheers and 
many huzzas. 


122 


C/^AV ROCKS, 


Presently the meeting of the Town Company adjourned, 
and then there was much clapping of hands and more 
cheering. Each member of the company crowded around 
Vance and shook him warmly by the hand, and assured 
him they had had one of the most profitable meetings 
that had ever taken place. 


CHAPTER XV. 


MISS VIRGINIA BONIFIELD. 


ANCE had become so thor- 
oughly interested during his 
first visit to Waterville, that he 
was prepared, in a degree, to 
share in a general way the en- 
thusiasm of the citizens and the 
members of the Waterville 
Town Company which pre- 
vailed after the meeting ad- 
journed. 

Buoyant with hope of the future, without hardly under- 
standing why, and with a blind belief that his invest- 
ment would yield him a splendid return, he began to feel 
that it was indeed a lucky day when the chief of the ban- 
ner sent him to the northwest, and still luckier when he 
fell in with the members of the Waterville Town 
Company. 

That afternoon, accompanied by Homer Winthrop, he 
called on Miss Virginia Bonifield. 

That young lady received her callers with a cultured 
grace and dignity that would have done honor to even 
one who had seen much more of the world. She was 
rather tall and a pronounced brunette. Her well poised 
head was in keeping with her graceful figure. One could 
not say she was strikingly beautiful, but there was soine- 



123 



124 


GRA Y ROCKS, 


thing in her face as well as manner that made one forget 
to desire her different than the interesting person she was. 
Both vivacious and intelligent, she possessed the rare 
charm, in her conversation, of reflecting the mood of 
those about her. Addressing Vance, .she said : 

‘ ‘ lyouise has written me so much about you that I 



He called on Miss Virginia Bonijicld. 


have been quite impatient to form your acquaintance. I 
presume that papa is still working away on Gray Rocks?” 

“Yes,’' replied Vance, “he will soon reach the 300 
foot level.” 


GRA Y ROCKS. 


125 


‘‘And the old story will be told again, I dare say,” 
said Virginia, laughing. 

“ Miss Virginia is not an enthusiast/’ said Winthrop, 
“ in regard to untold millions that have not yet been dis- 
covered in mining shafts. ’ ’ 

“ My observations, ” retorted Virginia, “have caused 
me to be less sentimental, if not more practical, than my 
good sister Louise.” 

“I fear,” said Vance, “you do not share in your 
father’s belief in regard to the future of Gray Rocks?” 

“I am a Bonifield,” replied Virginia, “and believe 
implicitly in my father ; and, in my way, love him as 
tenderly, I dare say, as any daughter ever loved a parent, 
but sometimes I fear he is mistaken — but, to change the 
subject,’' she continued, “ how do you like the west?” 

‘ ‘ I am very favorably impressed with what I have 
seen. In the east we have many brilliants that are not 
diamonds ; in the west we have many rough ashlars that 
are diamonds unpolished. ’ ’ 

“Thank you,” replied Virginia, “I consider that a 
compliment.” 

“ It is our intention,” said Winthrop, “to claim Mr. 
Gilder as a western man before another year ; and if 
Waterville continues to grow, as we expect it will, we 
may persuade him to edit our first daily paper.” 

Soon after, they rose to go. “ I shall hope,” said Miss 
Virginia, “that I will be honoied by a call from ycj 
whenever you are in Waterville.” 

“Thank you,” replied Vance, “ it will afford me great 
pleasure.” 

Winthrop remained behind a few moments, while 
Vance walked up and down the sidewalk. The sun was 


126 


G/^A V ROCKS, 


well toward the western horizon. A bluish haze lay 
against the mountains in the distance. It was an Indian 
summer afternoon, full of quiet rest, with a gentle, 
invigorating mountain breeze as a constant tonic. 

Presently Winthrop joined him, and they hurried down 
to the depot, for it was nearing train time, and they had 
arranged to travel together to Butte City. 

“ How are you impressed with Miss Bonifield?** asked 
Winthrop. 

“ Quite favorably,*' replied Vance. “ She is, however, 
an entirely different type from her sister. Miss Louise ; 
indeed, I can discover no family resemblance. Miss 
Louise is quite fair, while Miss Virginia is a decided 
brunette.'* 

Soon after, the train came in, and they secured comfort- 
able seats in a Pullman. As the train started, Vance 
looked out of the window at the turbulent waters in the 
river, and asked Winthrop where the foundry, and sash, 
blind and door factory would be located. 

‘‘We have not decided as yet,*’ replied Winthrop. 
“ That will be an easy matter to arrange when the party 
or parties are ready to commence building. * * 

“I presume you are selling a good many lots?** said 
Vance. 

“Well, yes,’* replied Winthrop, hesitatingly. “We 
are interesting a good many people ; and it takes people 
to build a city. Where a man’s possessions are, his heart 
is generally not far away.*’ 

“I should judge from your complimentary remarks 
about Miss Virginia Bonifield, and the delightful expres* 
sion of 3^our face when we called this afternoon, that your 
heart abides quite permanently at Waterville,** 


G/^A V ROCKS. 


127 


Wintlirop seemed confused and looked out of the 
window. Presently he said : 

‘'Miss Bonifield is one of the most practical young 
ladies it has ever been my good fortune to meet. She is 
a most exemplary young lady, and the good people of 
Watervdlle hold her i.i high e.steem. This is her second 
year in the public school at that place.'' 

“I judge from her remarks,” said Vance, "that her 
faith is very limited in her father’s mine.” 

"Yes,” replied Wintlirop, "I consider her the most 
practical member of the Bonifield family.” 

Vance blushed scarlet and turned resentfully in his seat 
toward Wintlirop. " Ho ! ho !” said Wintlirop, laughing, 
"I was merely expressing my own private opinion. I 
see, without your saying it, that your opinion is quite 
different. How forthnate it is that all men, especially 
you and I, Mr. Gilder, are not of the same opinion. This 
very difference of opinion,” Winthrop went on, " may, as 
the months come and go, weld our friendship more and 
more firmly.” 

Vance saw that he had betrayed his feelings, and 
good-naturedly observed that he always was quite 
partial to blondes. "I presume,” he went on, "when 
I become editor of the first daily paper in Waterville, 
you will, doubtless, be president of some great banking 
house.” 

"I hope so,” replied Winthrop, thoughtfully. "If 
many people are interested in our new town it will help 
us in more ways than one. They will ultimately move to 
Waterville, erect homes, and engage in business ; but we 
must not be impatient and expect too much for the fin t 
year, or the second, for that matter. ‘ Rome was not 


128 


GRA V ROCKS. 


built in a day.* I fully believe,’* continued Winthrop, 
“that parties purchasing lots at the present prices will 
receive most excellent returns on their investments. You 
see,” continued Winthrop in a confidential way, “the 
Waterville Town Company was compelled to go into debt 
very heavily at the time it commenced its operations, but 
by persistent and continued efforts on the part of various 
members of the company, we have greatly reduced the ' 
indebtedness, and if the sale of lots continues for a week 
longer w’e will, probabl}^ not owe a dollar. We will then 
divide our property, each member receiving a deed for his 
respective share.” 

Winthrop seemed so happy in anticipation of the joyful 
time when the company would be out of debt, and was so 
confidential and frank in regard to the 
matter, that Vance, hardly knowing why, ,> 
,if' found himself deeply interested in the work 
n ‘ selling lots, and suggested to Winthrop 

S-i i would write to some of the members 

of the Banner force who were particular 
friends of his, and advise them to send on 
their surplus earnings for investment. ' 

Homer's Prophecy. The towui boomer was at once on the 
alert, and, in not an over-anxious way, heartily advised 
the step. Accordingly, that night at the hotel in Butte 
City, Vance wrote a letter to his friends advising an invest- 
ment in Waterville. i 

The dramatic critic, the religious editor, the police 
reporter, and the heads of the several departments of the 
Banner at once acted on Vance’s advice. They knew 
nothing of the chiefs action in regard to Vance’s dis- 
missal. They wired Vance, authorizing him to sight 


G/^A y ROCKS. 


129 


draft them for $2,500, and invest the proceeds in town 
lots in Watervdlle. 

lie at once complied with the instructions, turned the 
money over to Winthrop, and instructed him to forward 
the deeds to his friends in New York city. 

He was not a little gratified to find his last letter to the 
Banner copied in full by the Intermomitain Blade and the 
Bnite City Miner, with editorials referring to the article 
as particularly able, and to the writer as having the 
‘ ‘ courage of his convictions. ’ ’ 

The article diad a most salutar>" effect on Homer Wiii- 
throp’s lot selling enterprise, and during the next few 
days he sold more Waterville town lots than his most 
sanguine expectations had caused him to hope for. 

Toward the last of the week Vance left Butte City for 
Gold Bluff, via Waterville. He had in his possession 
additional data and statistics to support and corroborate 
his recent letter to the Banner. 

At first the west was distasteful to him, but as he 
became better acquainted with its customs and habits he 
began to recognize the true manhood that is not unfre- 
quently found under the miner’s garb. 

There is an uncouth, whole-soul generosity met with on 
the frontier of which the effete easterner knows nothing. 

Arriving at Waterville the following morning too late 
for the Gold Bluff stage, he was compelled to put in 
another day at Waterville. Remembering Miss Virginia 
Bonifield’s invitation, he called on her that evening, and 
was most hospitably received. In the course of their 
conversation she said : 

“I understand, Mr. Gilder, that you are interested 
with my father in Gray Rocks I hope you did not mis- 


0 


130 


GRA Y ROCKS. 


understand me or my motive when I spoke discouragingly 
of my father’s mining prospects. ’ ’ 

May I ask,” said Vance, “what reason you have for 
your pessimistic views, if I may term them such?” 

“I presume,” she replied, a little nettled, “they are 
about as tangible and equally hard to explain as those of 
an optimist. I have a presentiment that father will never 
find what he is looking for in the Gray Rocks mine. My 
sister, Louise, encourages faith in what to me seems a 
mad belief. ’ ’ 

“Your sister may be right,” replied Vance. 

“ My greatest hope,” she replied, “is that I am wrong 
and that my sweet sister is right ; but I really fear, Mr. 
Gilder, you will never see your money again that you 
have been investing with my father. ’ ^ 

“ I cannot doubt your sincerity,” replied Vance, “but 
I am glad to have more faith than you have. ’ ’ 

“ Why should I have any faith,” she replied. “ Have 
I not seen my father clinging to that false hope year after 
year, and every day resulting in a fresh disappointment ? 
Long ago I made up my mind that Aunt Sally is about 
right. She says that father has been planting money 
with different prospectors all over the mountains, and 
none of it has ever found its way back. She also predicts 
that father will work away on Gray Rocks until he dies, 
and never have his hopes realized. I love my father 
tenderly, and feel very sorry for him. A stranger cannot 
understand his personal charms and grandeur as one of 
his family. He is certainly one of the sweetest characters 
in the world. His persuasive powers, as you evidently 
have reason to know, are very great, and I feel it my 
duty to thus warn you for your own protection. Papa is 


GRA y ROCKS, 


131 


so sane on everything else excepting Gray Rocks, and is 
so foolish about that, notwithstanding his many years of 
lost labor.” 

“ If your father has a ‘ wheel in his head ’ on the sub- 
ject of Gray Rocks, I must admit that I, too, have one in 
mine,” replied Vance. 

The blush that overspread Virginia’s face suggested 
that she felt keenly the rebuke. 

“Pardon me, Mr. Gilder,” said she, “ I had forgotten 
that I am not ‘ my brother’s keeper.’ I promise never to 
refer to the subject again.” 

That evening, after Vance had taken leave of Miss 
Virginia Bonifield, he experienced a strange unrest aiK^ 
dissatisfaction, and while he did not admit it to himself, 
the glamour of his day-dreams had been broken. Pres- 
ently, as he walked along, the face of Louise came before 
him, and, in a moment, he forgot his unsatisfactory even- 
ing ; forgot hope’s broken glamour, and basked again in 
the alluring belief that the future held no clouds for him- 

It was late when he reached the hotel. 

Looking through the window, he saw old 
Dick Ballard, who was alone in the bar- 
room entertaining himself with an even- 
ing drill. 

He carried a long, iron poker at “carry 
arms,” and was marching back and forth 
with military tread. Arriving at the end 
of the room, he would call out “ Halt 1 
About face! March!” 

Vance was very much amused at old Dick Ballard’s 
pantomime drill, but finally opened the door and walked 
in. The transformation scene was wonderful. Old Dick 



'‘Ballard drills. 



132 


GI^A Y ROCKS. 


Ballard was vigorously poking in the stove, notwith- 
standing it was a July night. 

“Hello, Mr. Gilder,*’ said he, looking up, “I saw a 
mighty big rat run in this stove a minute ago, and I am 
after it.” 

“ Better charge your entire militia company on the 
enemy,” said Vance, laughing. 

“Oh, you saw me, did you,’’ said Ballard. “ I was 
jes’ drillin’ up a little for dress parade. AVell, pardner, 
I’ll set ’em up, and you say nothin’ about it.’’ 

Vance declined to be entertained, but Ballard drank 
copiously from his ever ready bottle. 

“ I tell you, Waterville’s got it and no mistake,’’ said 
lie, putting his bottle carefully away. 

“ Got what,’’ asked Vance, as he turned to go to his 
room. 

“ Got the crack military company of the state,’’ replied 
Ballard. “You ought to see ’em drill once. There is 
nothin’ in New York city or anywhere else can tech one 
side of ’em for big money.’’ 


CHAPTER XVI. 


THE OED COEONEL’S DISAPPOINTMENT. 

S FOLLOWING morningVance took the stage 
for Gold Bluff. As he neared that little 
mining town, he found himself experiencing 
an impatience once more to see Louise Boni- 
field that was strangely at variance with 
any former sensation of his life. It seemed 
. to him the stage coach was traveling at a 
snail’s pace, and even the good natured, 

‘ ‘ honest intentio.ned ” Steve Gibbons, with 
all his droll talk of frontier adventure, 
failed to interest him. Arriving at the hotel, he found 
the old miner, Ben Bonifield, waiting for him. 

‘'Am delighted to see yo’, Mr. Gilder; I am indeed, 
suh. I presume yo’r almost famished; pow’ful tiresome 
ridin’ in a stage coach all day, suh. After yo’ have re- 
freshed yo’self, I shall be pleased to join yo’ in yo’r room. 
I have a niatteh of vehy great impo’tance to discuss with 
yo’, suh.” 

“All right,” said Vance, in his cheeriest tones. “ I 
trust Miss Louise is well?” 

“ Quite well, suh; quite well, thank yo’.” 

As Vance ale his supper a satisfied feeling of content- 
ment with the whole world intruded itself upon him. 
His advancement in his profession was certainly gratify- 
ing. He had received several valuable hints while in 


133 


i:]4 


GRA V ROCKS, 


Butte City in regard to a new silver mining company that 
was about to be organized, in which he was thinking 
seriously of investing a little money. The price was only 
ten cents a share, which he had been assured, on what 
seemed to him very excellent authority, would be worth 
a dollar a share before twelve months’ time. Ilis invest- 
ment at Waterville was certainly a good one, and he 
heartily believed Col. Bonifield had good news to tell him 
about Gray Rocks. . In addition to this, he was once 
more near Louise, that fair vision of loveliness, whose 
tender blue eyes seemed ever near him. He dropped a 
coin into the hand of the waiter as he rose from the table, 
and stopped in the hallway to caress a lovely little child 
which he found playing hide-and-seek with an older com- 
panion, and then made each a present of money with 
which to buy bon-bons. He hummed softly to himself 
the air of an old love song as he went leisurely to his 
room. 

Soon after, lie was enjoying a choice Havana with Col. 
Bonifield sitting in a chair opposite him, smoking his 
briar-root, blowing blue rings of smoke leisurely toward 
the ceiling. Vance was animated, and spoke glowingly 
of the prospects of Waterville. Presently Col. Bonifield 
said : 

“ Mr. Gilder^ we have reached the 300 foot level, suh,” 
and then lapsed into silence. 

“ Have you cross-cut into the vein yet ? ” asked Vance. 

‘‘ Mr. Gilder,” said the old miner, as he rose from his 
chair and walked back and forth in a stately manner, 

‘ ‘ we have cross-cut, suh, into where the vein ought to 
have been, but it is not there, suh. I must confess to yo’, 
suh, that I am greatly disappointed^ but the disappoint- 


GRA Y ROCKS. 


135 


ment, I am sure, suh, is only temporary. Of course it is 
much richer, suh, than it was at the 200 foot level, but it 
is not rich enough, suh, to work, by a pow’ful sight.'* 
This information was a great (disappointment to Vance, 



We have cross-cut, sub, into where the vein ou^ht to be, but it is not there, suh.*’ 


for he had fully shared the old miner’s belief that they 
would strike the rich ore at the 300 foot level. 

“ I will admit, Col. Bonifield, that I am somewhat dis- 
appointed, and of course you are. Under the circum- 
stances, what do you advise ? ’ ’ 


13 G 


G/^A V ROCKS. 


“ Yo* honor me, suh, indeed yo’ do, Mr. Gilder, to ask 
my advice, because, suh, I know my advice is good. , i 
Whether yo’, Mr. Gilder, will so regard it, remains to be 
seen. If yo’ can furnish about fbu’ thousand dollars mo’ ^ 
money, I will start to-morrow mornin’ fb’ the 400 foot J 
level, and we will then cross-cut, suh, into a vein of ^ f 
pow’ful rich ore. I assure yo', suh, I neveh was mo' • 
sincere in my life than I am in makin’ this statement, suh. ” 
Vance possessed the confidence of ^’’outh, and his belief ^ 
ill Gray Rocks was not to be shaken at the first disap- 
pointment, while before him rose up, as from a mist, the J 
pleading face of I^ouise, and he" fancied she was asking J 
him to still believe in her father. He took his check book ; 
from his pocket and wrote a check for $4,000, and sign- \ 
ing it, handed it to the old miner, saying: “ How long, ; 
with the present force of men, will it take to reach the 
400 foot level? ’ ’ 

‘ ‘ My dear Mr. Gilder, ” said the colonel, 
accepting his check, and clasping his hand, 
“yo’ quite ovehpow’r me, yo’ do indeed, 
suh. Yo’ may have been bawn in the 
nawth, but yo’ are a Virginian still at 
heart, with the warm blood cou’sin’ through 
yo’r veins. I think, suh, that within 
three or fou’ months we can reach the fou’ 
hund’ed foot level. I told yo’r father that 
Yo’ ovcrpow’r mCf Gray Rocks was a sure winner, and I am r; 
sub. proud, suh, to repeat the statement to you. ” i 

“ I don’t know,” said Vance, “whether you will strike '] 
it at the four hundred foot level or not, but I assure you, ^ 
Colonel Bonifield, that I have every faith in your sin- ^ 
cerity, and I am anxious to develop the mine as rapidly 



6RA V ROCKS. 


137 


as possible. If my investment should prove a total loss, 
I assure you I would never hold you responsible.’' 

“I am gettin’ along in years, Mr. Gilder,” said the 
Colonel, “and while I have not struck it yet, I have 
every confidence, suh, that we will if we stay by Gray 
Rocks. My little I^ouise, of cou’se, was disappointed like 
myself. We both feared, suh, yo’ w’ould be vehy much 
disappointed; and I assure yo’, suh, we cared a great deal 
mo’ about yo’r disappointment than w^e did about our 
own. To tell yo’ the truth, suh, that little girl of mine 
had mo’ faith in yo’r looking at this niatteh philosoph- 
ically than I did; but,” continued the Colonel, pressing 
Vance’s hand, “I misjudged yo’, Mr. Gilder, I did 
indeed, suh^ and I apologize fo’ it.’’ 

After Colonel Bonifield had taken his departure, Vance 
commenced looking over his accumulated mail. The first 
thing that claimed his attention was a copy of the ban- 
ner containing his article, “Two Honorable Exceptions.” 
He read it carefully through again with evident pride. 
Not a word or a single sentence had been cut out. This 
was gratifying to him, and seemed proof that the manag- 
ing editor had confidence in his ability to select the wheat 
from the chaff. He laid down the paper and began open- 
ing his letters. Presently the song he was humming died 
on his lips. He sat upright and stared at a letter which 
he held in his hand. It read as follows: 

Dear Sir*— Banner Office, New York City. 

I am directed by the managing editor to advise you that your 
services are no longer required. Enclosed find check in payment 
of your salary to date. Respectfully, 

J. M. M., 

Ass’t Managing Editor, 


To Vance Gilder, Esq. 


138 


GRA Y ROCKS. 


He arose from his chair and rapidly paced the room, 
while great beadji of perspiration stood on his forehead. 
What had he done to merit such humiliation? The idea 
that it might be a practical joke for a moment found 
lodgment in his thoughts, but he quickly dismissed the 
hallucination. Again he took up the paper and re-read 
the article, “Two Honorable Exceptions.” He endeav- 
ored logically to think out a solution of hi^; dismissal. 
The more earnestly he thought over the 
situation, the more distinctly he remem- 
bered the prejudiced views the chief 
seemed to entertain in regard to western 
enterprises and investments. “ He cer- 
tainly wants the truth,” soliloquized 
Vance, “ and I will stake my life there 
is not a sentence in this article,” and 
he struck the paper vigorously with his 
hand, “ but what is true. The article 

. , , , , - , *Vancc'i Jismiisat. 

might almost be regarded as an adver- 
tisement for the great mining camp of Butte City, yet it 
was news, and not nearly so strong as it might be and 
still keep wuthin the bounds of truth. The same is 
equally true as to what I have said in regard to the agri- 
cultural and other resources of Waterville.” 

He sat far into the night, discussing with himself this 
unlooked for calamity. Once, and only once, did the 
idea occur to him that possibly the chief had sent him 
into the northwest to systematically destroy confidence 
concerning western investments. He was too honorable, 
however, to harbor the thought, and quickly dismissed it 
as too contemptible to be entertained. The only conso- 
lation he could find — and that was certainly a very 



G/^A V ROCKS, 


139 


meager one — was that in all probability a letter of expla- 
nation would soon come, that would clear away the mis- 
understanding. In the meantime he would patiently 
wait, keeping his own counsel. 

He looked over his check book, and found he had, all 
told, some six thousand dollars to his credit, besides the 
four thousand dollars he had that evening given to 
Colonel Bonifield. He sat by his window and considered 
the advisability of returning at once to New York and 
demanding an explanation. Such a course would take 
him away from Gold Bluff, from Gray Rocks, and from 
Couise. 


CHAPTER XVII. 


AN AWAKENING. 

ANCE GILDER was not of a 
morose nature. The following 
morning he ate as hearty a 
breakfast as ever, and while 
smoking his morning cigar, 
acknowledged to himself that 
he had fallen in love with the 
picturesque scenery of the 
mountains, rivers, valleys and 

Everything about him was restful, while an alluring 
contentment stole into his heart. He congratulated him- 
self that he was far away from the hot and crowded 
metropolis of the Atlantic seaboard. Here, far removed 
from “ the busy marts of men,” and the restless commo- 
tion of commerce and traffic, he could rest and wait. 

Tlie day passed quickly by ; the afternoons and even- 
ings usually in the society of Louise. They were 
bewildering da3'S in their completeness. The night 
claimed the day all too soon when in her society. 

He was surprised, after the first shock of disappoint- 
ment had passed away, to find how indifferent he was be- 
coming in regard to the loss of his position on the banner. 
One morning he awakened to a keen sense of incom- 
pleteness where completeness had dwelt. He also dis- 



lakes around Gold Bluff. 


140 


GRA V ROCKS. 


141 


covered a vein of discontent where contentment hacj 
reigned supreme. His love of the mountains, the rivers, 
and the picturesque scenery was but a prelude of promise, 
thumbing sweetly of the great, un- 
selfish love awakened in him for 
Louise. 

Tliis unrest dated from a certain 
evening when Louise first .sang for 
him. He was quite entranced by the 
full, rich volume of her contralto voice. 
She began by .striking the chords 
in a hesitating way ; but pre.sently 
the genius of her musical nature seized 
her with its wonderful power, and she sang with wild 
abandon : 



She sang for him. 


* We seemed to those who saw us meet 
The casual friends of every day ; 

His courtesy was frank and sweet, 

My smile was unrestrained and gay. 

But yet, if one the other's name 
In some unguarded moment heard, 

The heart you thought so free and tame 
Would flutter like a frightened bird.” 

As she sang Vance gave himself up to the intoxication 
of the moment. His soul broke through the barriers and 
went out to hers, and as the .song died on her lips, and 
the music ceased with a few reluctant farewell chords, he 
knew that a great and tender love had sprung up in his 
heart — a love that was not for a day, but for all time. 

‘‘Miss Bonifield,” said Vance, with emotion, “you 
are, indeed, a constant surprise to me. Your playing is 


142 


GRA Y ROCKS. 


certainly superb, while your voice ij not only soft and 
musical, but has great range. To hear 3^011 sing fills me 
with a longing to be a better man.” 

“Thank you,” said Louise, “I seldom play or sing 
excepting for papa. Your compliment, however, is highly 
appreciated.” 

“ As long as I remain in Gold Bluff I hope I will be 
privileged in hearing you sing occasionally.” 

“We will promise not to ostracize you altogether, Mr. 
Gilder,” said Louise, laughingly, “but may I ask how 
long 3^ou expect to remain with us?” There was just 
enough hesitation in the question to suggest interest. 

“I do not know,” replied Vance. “I presume you 
think it is strange that I have remained as long as I have. 
To be frank with you. Miss Bonifield, I have lost my 
position on the banner. ' ’ 

“ Lost your position !” said Louise, with unmistakable 
concern. 

“ I am indeed sorry,” replied Vance, “whether it is a 
misfortune or not. I had an offer to-day to take charge 
of the Gold Bluff Prospector, and am thinking .seriously of 
accepting.” 

“You quite astonish me,” said Louise, “but I know 
papa will be delighted if 3’ou conclude to remain per- 
manently in Gold Bluff.” 

“ Of course,” said Vance thoughtfully, “ there is quite 
a difference between the New York "Banner and the Gold 
Bluff Prospector — one a cosmopolitan daily and the other 
a country newspaper without any special circulation. It 
would only be profitable to me as I increased its circula- 
tion and its importance to advertisers. I shall not decide 
for a few days. I may receive some explanation from 


GJ^A V ROCKS, 


143 


the banner that will put a different ligl:t upon my dis- 
missal. 

‘ ‘ I have almost made up m}^ mind that I should like to 
remain in Gold Bluff,” continued Vance, looking inquir- 
ingly at Louise. My confidence in Gray Rocks is 



** Lost your position !” said Louise, with unmistakable concern. 

growing daily, and I believe it is only a question of a 
short time until your father’s efforts will be crowned with 
success.” 

” Mr, Gilder,” replied Louise, feelingly, ‘‘ I thank you 


144 


G/^A y ROCKS, 


for your confidence and faith in my father. It seems that 
nearly every one disbelieves in his final success. I can- 
not tell why, yet my faith is unbounded. Ev^en sister 
Virgie has lost hope, and at times papa is greatly dis- 
couraged because sister and Aunt Sally talk as they do ; 
but I am sure in time he will be able to fully prove how 
mistaken they are in their judgment. '' 

As Vance rose to go he took her hand and said “ Miss 
Bonifield, you certainly are a noble daughter, and your 
father is pardonable for wishing to keep you with him in 
this western country. I am beginning to understand 
what a great strength and support you must be to him.” 

‘‘Thank you,” replied Louise, ‘‘I am sure you over- 
estimate the assistance I am to my father, but my great- 
est pride is in doing something that will add to his com- 
fort, and I am sure papa cannot want me with him more 
than I wish to remain.” 

Vance had become accustomed to Louise’s frankness of 
speech, yet he received a shock that thrilled him with 
dehght when she said, ‘‘I shall be very happy, Mr. 
Gilder, if you conclude to remain in Gold Bluff. You 
have no idea how lonesome I should be if you were to go 
away.” 

Vance’s heart beat wildly, and something seemed to rise 
up in his throat as he attempted to thank her. The 
expression of his face evidently betrayed his feelings, for 
she quickly drew awa}^ and with a formality that was 
new to Vance she bowed stiffly and said “ Good night.” 

After leaving the Bonifield’s home, he followed the road 
which led up the mountain side toward Gray Rocks. The 
moon, large and round, was just lifting itself above the 
eastern horizon. He walked on past the shaft, where the 


GRAY ROCKS, 


145 


night force of men were busy working away toward the 
400 foot level, and vSoon found himself near the old pros- 
pect shaft on the Peacock. The valley where the little 
city of Gold Bluff nestled was far beneath him. He saw 
a light glimmering from one of the windows in the 
Bonifield home, and interpreted it as a beacon of hope. 
He repeated over and over again Touise’s words relative 
to his remaining in Gold Bluff. 

‘‘Yes,” said he, “I will remain, no 
matter what the explanation may be 
from the Banner and filled with 

this decision, he returned to his hotel. 

One evening, about a week after re- 
ceiving the letter dismissing him from 
the Banner force, the mail brought a 
copy of that great New York paper. 
Vance eagerly perused it to see if it con- 
the old shaft. tallied his last communication. No, it 
had been rejected, but in its stead he found an article 
entitled “ Two Western Towns.” It was a three-column 
article devoted to Butte City and Waterville. It referred 
in the most vindictive manner to the members of the 
Waterville Town Company, and classed them as a lot of 
town site boomers. It warned eastern people not to be 
caught and misled by such wildcat speculations as were 
offered by them in the great Thief River Valley. 

It said the valley was one immense lava bed, inter- 
spersed with sage brush thickets, alkali swamps and 
basalt plains. The wonderful water-power, it claimed, 
was an absolute myth ; and, in fact, the printed state- 
ments in the circulars of these ‘ ‘ town boomers ' ’ were 
deliberate lies. 



10 


146 


GRA y ROCKS, 


Another thing which eastern investors should bear in 
mind, the paper went on to say, was the fact that the pro- 
perty which had been platted into town lots was still 
government land. The town company had no title, and, 
perhaps, never would have. It branded the whole enter- 
prise as the most gigantic confidence game that had ever 
been perpetrated on an unsuspecting public. 

It further said the swindling operations of these irre- 
sponsible and restless town boomers of Waterville were 
only exceeded in point of adroitness by the mining opera- 
tions in and around Butte City, Montana. The article 
said the mountain sides at Butte City were perforated with 
prospect holes, where hundreds upon hundreds of thou- 
sands of dollars of eastern people’s money had been expen- 
ded by local managers in riotous living and debauchery, 
and claimed that it was a safe estimate to say that for 
every thousand dollars put into prospect shafts in and 
about Butte City, not more than one dollar had been 
taken out. 

It spoke of the inhabitants of both Butte City and 
Waterville as plebians of the lowest sort and condition of 
life. 

The worst cut of all to Vance, howjever, was the closing 
paragraph, where it stated that it was the habit of pro- 
moters of these western towns to bribe indiscriminately 
correspondents of eastern papers, and that many were 
weak enough to fall, which was not only unfortunate for 
the journal publishing these flattering falsehoods, but a 
base injustice to the eastern investor, who was led captive 
with his savings into w^estern '‘booms” through the 
machinations of unprincipled correspondents. 

If Vance had been nonplussed on receipt of the assis- 


CRA V ROCKS. 


147 


tant's letter, he was now stunned. He thought very little 
about his own investment in Waterville, but rather, what 
would his old associates on the ^anmr think of him ? He 
regarded the article as a direct thrust at himself and his 
integrity. 

After waiting a few days and receiving no further com- 
munication from the "Banner office, and feeling too much 
humiliation to write to his city friends until time had 
dulled the blow, he concluded to go to AVaterville and see 
if he could not make arrangements with the Town Com" 
pany whereby he could return at once the money invested 
by his old associates in Waterville town lots. 

The more he thought over the refuting article in the 
Banner the more indignant he became. ‘ ‘ There is not a 
manufacturer or other institution in the east rich enough,” 
said he to himself, ‘ ‘ to stand such wholesale boycotting 
as this western country is constantly subjected to by the 
eastern press. It is not conservatism ; it is downright 
injustice. I have not been long in the west, it is true, 
but my respect for it and its people is growing. Even 
Chicago, with all her greatness, energy and achievements, 
is belittled by the boycotting' press of the east ! 

‘ ‘ By birth I am a Gothamite, and by education I am 
an eastern man, but my patriotism for America and all 
that is American has never prevented me from turning up 
my trousers when there is a heavy fog in Eondon?’^ 


CHAPTER XVIII. 



VANCK RETURNS TO WATERVIELE. 

T was on an October morning that Vance 
started for AVaterville. A light frost the 
night before had made the air sharp and 
crisp. The frost disappeared, however, 
before the genial warmth of the rising 
sun, while the russet leaves grew browner 
and as the wind stirred them, sang bro- 
kenly of old age. 

October is the scenic month in the mountains. You 
seem to stand in Nature’s picture gallery. The box-alder 
leaves are as changeable in color as a blushing maiden. 
From the low foothills on up the sides of the mountains 
to the timber line, the elms, the box-alders, and poplars 
grow in profusion. The leaves vary in color from the 
deepest green to the brightest scarlet, the most golden 
yellow, or the somberest brown. The colors are inter- 
mingled in this gorgeous panoramic scene with a charm 
and beauty that baffles the most skilled artist’s touch to 
reproduce on canvas. 

Vance was seated beside Steve Gibbons on the top of 
the stage coach, as they whirled along in meditative 
silence. The evening before Louise had sung for him. 
It was music fit for the gods — so rich, so deep, so plaint- 
ively low, so fascinating. He could see her even now, 
standing on the wide old porch as she bade him good-bye. 


GJ^A Y ROCKS. 


149 


The mild October breeze that stirred the ringlets of her 
golden hair seemed laden with worshipers of hope for 
Vance, the lover, and he interpreted her every word and 
smile as a token reciprocal of his own deep love. 

Presently Vance was brought back from his day dreams 
to the present by Steve Gibbons remarking : 

“Things ain’t so powerful brisk down at AVaterville 
jes’ now.” 

“ Why, how is that?* asked Vance. 

“Oh, Idunno,” replied Gibbons, as he w^aked up his 
leaders with a spirited crack of his whip, “ can’t say jes’ 
what is the matter. But I can tell ye one thing, pardner, ’ ’ 
he went on, “ I’m mighty glad I’m not in the real estate 
business. In my opinion, them real estate agents down 
thar will be jumpin’ sideways for a sandwich before the 
winter’s over.” 

Vance was noticeably depressed by Gibbons’ remarks. 
He was going to Waterville for the express purpose of 
disposing of his New York friends^ property, in which 
they had invested on his recommendation. He cared 
very little about his own investment. He was willing to 
wait, or even to lose it all, if he could only prevent them 
from sustaining loss on their purchase. 

It was late that night when they reached Waterville. 
Vance was delighted to find that Homer Winthrop was 
registered at the hotel. They met the following morning 
at the breakfast table. The conduct of the usually polite 
and entertaining Winthrop was changed to a sternnevss 
for which Vance was at a loss to account. As they arose 
from the table, Vance went out with Winthrop and asked 
him how he was progressing in the lot selling business. 

“How am I progressing?” repeated Winthrop, as he 


150 


G/^AV ROCKS, 


turned and looked coldly at Vance. “ I am through. I 
have left Butte City for good.” 

“Why, how is that?” asked Vance in some surprise. 

Winthrop was silent for a moment, and then replied: 
“It is rather strange. Mi'. Gilder, for you to ask such a 
question after writing the article you did for that New 
York paper. The Inter Mountain Blade and the Butte 
City Miner both copied the letter. It is hardly necessary 
for me to observe,” he went on, “that it rendered it im- 
possible for me to sell another lot in Butte City. Those 
who had purchased became so infuriated that I deemed it 
best for personal safety to leave the town.” 

Saying this, Winthrop turned abruptly and left Vance, 
who was for a moment unable to make a reply. Homer 
Winthrop’s words both astonished and chilled him. 

A little later he visited the Town Company’s office, 
where he found Marcus Donald, the resident director, and 
Homer Winthrop in deep consultation. Donald was a 
man of commanding presence. His associates often 
remarked that Marcus Donald’s face was worth $10,000 
in an important trade of any kind. He was dignified and 
commanding in appearance, and when one talked with 
him, the most skeptical fell into the habit of believing 
every word that fell from his lips. Vance discovered that 
he was not wanted, but he determined to vindicate him- 
self, and said : 

“ Gentlemen, pardon me for interrupting, but I must 
ask your indulgence for a few moments. I wish you 
would read this article. I am humiliated enough with- 
out any further complications or misunderstandings.” 

He handed Marcus Donald a copy of the Banner, Don- 
ald adjusted his gold-rimmed spectacles and read aloud 


GRA Y ROCKS, 


161 


the entire article, “Two Western Towns/’ When he 
had concluded, Vance turned toward Winthrop. 

“ Is that the letter you referred to?’' 

“Why, yes, ” said Winthrop, “but how is this?” said 
he, picking up the paper. ‘ ‘ The Butte City papers pub 


He handed (Marcus Donald a copy of the Banner. 



lished only that part of the article referring to Waterville; 
but how came you to write such a letter at all, Mr. Gilder? 
You certainly know there is not a syllable of truth in it 
from beginning to finish.” 

Vance looked first at Winthrop and then at Donald, 


152 


GJRA y ROCKS. 


and replied, “ I did not write it/' He then proceeded to 
give them a history of his dismissal. 

“This was written,*’ tapping the paper with the back 
of his hand, “ evidently to counteract the influence and 
effect of what I had written the week before." 

“ Of course that puts it in a different light," said Don- 
ald, rising and extending his hand to Vance. “ I could 
not believe it possible that you, Mr. Gilder, could be 
guilty of writing such a libelous article as this is." 

Winthrop also accepted the explanation as eminently 
satisfactory, and sympathized with Vance in the loss of 
his position on the great New York daily. 

“It has completely killed the lot selling business for 
me in Butte City," said he, “but fortunately for us, we 
have made some very excellent sales during the past few 
weeks, and the Town Company has sufficient money in 
the treasury to pay all its debts, and the last obligation 
will be paid off before twelve o’clock to-day.*' 

“ Yes, " said Marcus Donald, ‘ ‘ they will all be paid off, 
but it will leave the treasury in a depleted condition; but 
the future, I believe, is all right. I hope yon will not 
lose faith, 'Mr. Gilder, in \Vater\dlle’s prospects. 

“ No," said Vance, “ I have unbounded faith in Water- 
ville, but I would like very much to have the Town Com- 
pany, if possible, return the $2,500 which I invested for 
my New York friends. It would save me much embar- 
rassment if I could return them their money. They 
doubtless know I have been dismissed from the force, and 
have read this last article, which puts an entirely differ- 
ent coloring on this western country from what I repre- 
sented." 


GRA Y ROCKS, 


153 


“You must know,” said Winthrop, “that what you 
seek is next to impossible. The money has been paid 
into the treasury, and no difference how friendly I per- 
sonally feel toward you, or how much the resident 
director, Mr. Donald, may wish to return the money, it 
cannot possibly be done without an action of the 
directors. 

At this juncture, Marcus Donald invited Vance to take 
a seat by his desk, and he would explain to him carefully 
and fully the situation, and believed he could prove to 
him conclusively why he was acting for his New York 
friends’ best interests in leaving the in- 
vestment as it was. Donald produced a 
great many maps and carefully spread 
them out on the table, adjusted his spec- 
tacles carefully, and with his $10,000 
face looked squarely into Vance’s, and 
proceeded to go over the old, old story of 
the unlimited natural resources of the val- 
ley. He discussed at length, and in a 
very entertaining and convincing manner, 
the number of acres of land already in cultivation, the 
probable annual increase acreage of farm land; figured 
out results that amounted to millions of dollars. He then 
carried Vance from one side of the map to the other, up 
to the top, then down to the bottom and back again to 
the point where they had first started; indeed, he quite 
enthused Vance in regard to the future prospects and final 
outcome of Waterville, 

He also confirmed Winthrop’s statement in regard to 
their inability to take any money out of the treasury for 



Donald explains. 


154 


GRA y ROCA^S. 


the purpose suggested without first having an action of 
the directors. 

“I advise you to write to your New York friends,’' 
continued Donald, “ and tell them their investment is all 
right, if — mark, I say if — they have the ner\’e to stay 
with it a year or such a matter. Of course this article in 
the Banner hurts us immensely. It is simply a high- 
handed piece of boycotting; but the west has received 
similar injustice at the hands of the great New York 
dailies times without number in years gone by.” 

Acting on Marcus Donald’s advice, Vance wrote a let- 
ter that day to his New York friends, and afterwards felt 
better for having done so. He determined to remain a 
week or two at Waterville, and see if there was any 
demand for real estate. Before many days, he began to 
understand the wonderful, far-reaching effects of the late 
article in the Banner, Rival surrounding towns copied 
it, and with double-leaded editorials called attention to a 
town that had over-reached itself. They denounced the 
various members of the Waterville Town Company as vil- 
lainous sharks, and predicted that the boom had been 
pricked with a needle that would let all the wind 
out of it. 

The transient class of real estate agents and hangers- 
on, who had been doing a rather thriving business, said, 

‘ ‘ Bo 3'S, this ends it, ” as they blew the foam from their 
glasses of beer, ” we might as well go somewhere else 
as wait and see the dog-fennel grow in the streets of 
Water\nlle.” 

One day Vance called on J. Arthur Boast at his office. 
He found him as elegantly dressed as ever, and engaged 
in tying up bundles of legal papers, deeds, contracts, etc. 


GRA Y ROCKS. 


155 


“Are you getting ready to move away from Water- 
ville?” asked Vance. 

“ No, I am not going away; that is, not pennanently,” 
replied Boast, as he stooped to brush a speck of dust from 
his highly polished shoes, “ but I do not presume we will 
have any use for deeds or contracts for some time to come, 
and I am therefore putting them away out of the dust 
until the boom opens up again.” 

“You talk a little discouragingly,” said Vance. 

“ Discouragingly!” said Boast, as he seated himself on 
the table in front of Vance. “ Discouragingly! AVhy, 
didn’t I tell you the Town Company would ruin Water- 
ville? I was away only two weeks visiting, as you know, 
at Gold Bluff, but while I was gone they inflated prices 
of property; made promises right and left that were quite 
impossible for them to fulfill. The newspapers all over 
the country are denouncing them, and the result of it is 
that AVatervdlle is dead! I say dead, and I mean dead, 
and all on account of the Town Company.” 

“Do you suppose,” asked Vance, “ that you could pos- 
sibly sell my twenty-five lots?” 

Boast looked absently out of the window and said, “ I 
might sell them in time by putting them on my special 
bargain list.” 

“At what price?” Vance ventured to ask. 

“Let me see,” said Boast, “ you paid $2,500 for them, 
did you not?’ ’ 

“Yes,” replied Vance. 

“ Oh, well,” said Boast, “ I might be able to get $500 
for them, but it would be a pretty green sort of a tender- 
foot that I could load them on at ”*even that price. But 
what’s the use,” said he, facing around toward Vance 


160 


GRA Y ROCKS. 


and still sitting on the table, “what's the use of losing 
your nerve? Within one or two years Waterville will 
be all right. She can't be kept down. She has natural 
resources; the richest farm lands in the \vorld; the great- 
est water power of any inland city in the United States; 
mar\'elous veins of coal; inexhaustible quarries of rock; 
unsurpassed forests of timber; and abundance of water for 
irrigating purposes. Why, dang it, old fellow," said he, 
slapping Vance on the shoulder, “ Waterville 's all right. 
All you’ve got to do is to hold on to your nerve and your 
lots, and you will come out on top." 

“That’s all very well," replied Vance, "but the ray 
of hope you hold out is too far away to be very satisfac- 
tor>' at the present time." 

“Every tenderfoot," replied Boast, “needs a certain 
amount of experience in order to acclimate him to this 
western country. Your experience is just now beginning. 
After a little Colonel Bonifield will strike it rich on Gray 
Rocks, Watervdlle will also come out of 
the kinks, and there you are, a rich man. 

By the way, the Colonel must be pretty 
well along toward the 400 foot level, is 
he not?" 

* ‘ I believe he is making very satisfac- 
tory progress," replied Vance. 

“ If the old man should strike it rich," 
said Boast, “ I would not mind connect- 
ing myself with his family. Of course, I 
am not so hard to please as you New York fellows." 
He looked archly at Vance and smiled wickedly as he 
made this remark. Vance was indignant at the cold- 
blooded insinuation of Boast, and replied: 



Boast smiled wickedly. 


GRA Y ROCKS. 


157 


‘‘While you may have no objections, I don’t doubt 
you will meet some pretty knotty ones before you succeed 
in winning Miss Bonifield. ’ 

“Possibly,” replied Boast, coolly. “Nevertheless, if 
the old Colonel strikes it in Gray Rocks, it’s worth a tiial, 
anyway; but come, there’s no use in quarreling over 
something that hasn’t happened, or being down-hearted 
about a busted boom, so long as a fellow has a bottle of 
red liquor.” 

Vance did not wait for him to go through the ordeal of 
condemning himself as a drunken profligate, but left him 
to finish tying up his papers and drink the contents of 
his bottle alone. 


CHAPTER XIX. 


THE INDIGNATION MEETING. 



. ANCE had been in Waterville something 
over a week, and his enthusiasm was 
noticeably subdued. One evening he dis- 
covered that a great many citizens were 
assembling in the Town Hall. He joined 
the crowd, and found it was composed of 
representatives of nearly every family in 
Watervdlle. 

The meeting was called to order with J. Arthur Boast 
in the chair. It was an indignation meeting. Instead 
of huzzaing for the Waterville Town Company, its mem- 
bers were being vigorously denounced. A speaker 
addressed the chair, and among other things said : 

“ Where is our sash, blind and door factory? Where 
is our foundry ? Where is our woolen mill ? Where are 
our canning factories? Where is our great smelting 
plant, and other manufactuiing enterprises which have 
been promised us by the Watervnlle Town Company? 
When we see anything in a newspaper we have a right to 
believe what it says. Outside of Waterville, the news- 
papers claim the members of the AVaterv’ille Town Com- 
pany to be a lot of restless town site boomers. I believe 
what I see in the papers. The dog-fennel is already 
growing in our streets — our town is dead ; not one 
stranger in a week alights from the train at Water\’ille. 

158 


GRAY ROCKS. 


159 


We have been deceived, and it is now time for an indig- 
nant community to assert its rights, take the reins of 
government, so to speak, in our own hands, and give the 
Water\’ille Town Company to understand that no more 
bonds of any kind will be voted or subsidies given.*' 

A number of other speakers expressed themselves in 
bitter terms against the Water\dlle Town Company. The 
chairman, J. Arthur Boast, finally addressed the meeting, 
and with his thin, piping voice advi.sed moderation. 

He said it was true that, during his absence, prices had 
been unfortunately inflated, and a reaction had set in. 
He reminded his hearers that he was still in the real 
estate business, and by listing their property with him he 
would try to put it on his “special bargain list,*’ and 
thought possibly he could, in time, re-establish confidence 
and create a new era of activity in the real estate business. 

Boast was very careful not to openly charge the depres- 
sion in Watervdile to anyone in particular, but his insinua- 
tions left no room to doubt he meant the Waterville Town 
Company. 

It seemed to be the sense of the meeting that retrench- 
ment was in order. One speaker advised the closing of 
the public school. The suggestion seemed to meet with 
favor. Ojd Dick Ballard pushed his way through the 
crowd, and addressing the chairman, begged the crowd 
to listen to reason. “You know,'* he continued, “that 
Pm your school director in this township. The office 
sought me ; I didn’t seek the office. Retrenchment in 
any other line exceptin’ the closin’ down of our public 
school is, perhaps, all right ; but do not take a step back- 
ward. Our public school system is our pride, and should 
appeal to the patriotism of every one here,” 


1(50 


GRA Y ROCKS. 


In conclusion, he offered to give an entertainment with 
his State Militia Company for the benefit of the public 
school of Waterville. His remarks would probably have 
been effective had not a fiery speaker followed him and 
advanced the idea that by discontinuing the public school 
it would be a direct rebuke to the Water\dlle Town Com- 
pany. 

“ Let it be noised abroad,” said he, ” that the residents 
of \Vater\dlle refuse to pay any school taxes, and then the 
Waterville Town Company will begin to understand that 
we must be consulted, or we will thwart their schemes of 
booming this town. All they care for, anyway, is the 
money there is in selling town lots. ’’ 

The speaker then asked Dick Ballard how much money 
was in the teacher’s fund of the school treasury. Ballard 
said he did not know, but he could find out in a day or 
two. The speaker then addressed the chair, and said : 

“I move you, sir, that it is the sense of this public 
demonstration that we quit paying taxes to support a 
public school in Waterville, and when the funds now on 
hand are exhausted that our school be closed.” The 
motion almost unanimously prevailed. There were a few 
feeble protests, but they were not recognized by the pre- 
siding officer. 

A little later Vance felt some one plucking at his sleeve, 
and old Dick Ballard motioned him to follow. 

” Now, sir,” said Ballard, in a deep whisper when they 
were alone, ” there is some mighty important work to be 
done. Be in the parlor of my hotel in half an hour from 
now. Say nothin’.” At this Dick Ballard, with a 
mysterious look on his face, turned and hurried away. 

A little later Vance walked over to the hotel and found 


GRA V ROCKS. 


161 


Dick Ballard, Homer Winthrop, and Marcus Donald. 
They apparently were waiting for him. Ballard was very 
c ireful to lock the door securely. He then turned and said : 

“ Now, gentlemen, we have business of importance on 
hand. Yes, sir, the time has come for us to act, and act 
promptly. Hold on — ^just wait a moment 
until I read you a letter. This is private, ” 
said he, tapping a letter which he un- 
folded with a great flourish. “This is 
from General Ira House, the greatest 
town builder in the world. Now, here’s 
what he says : 

“ ‘ I will settle my board bill,’ no, hold 
on; that isn’t the place. Here it is: 
‘ Tell the people to be patient. The 
Baiiarj locked the deter. jiour is just before the dawn. 

Waterville is all right.’ ’’ 

“What do you think of that, gentlemen?’’ said he, 
folding the letter and putting it into his pocket. “ I tell 
you. General House can come as near breakin’ the shell 
and gettin’ at the meat of the kernel as any man I ever 
knew. He’s brainy, and no mistake. Our citizens are 
excited,’’ Ballard went on, “ and in their excitement they 
are foolish. They're attemptin’ to bite the hand that is 
feedin’ us all. The Town Company has made this town. 
I address my remarks, Mr. Gilder, to you. Modesty for- 
bids, sir, that I should say to my friends, Mr. Donald and 
Mr. Winthrop, that which I unhesitatingly proclaim to 
an outside part>'. Now let me ask, Mr. Gilder, if I didn’t 
tell you long ago that the members of the Waterville 
Town Company were the brainiest men this country had 
ever produced ?’ ’ 

11 

I:.: 



162 


GRA Y ROCKS. 


" I believe you made that remark,” replied Vance. 

” Yes, sir, and I am proud to repeat the statement, and 
in the letter which I have just read to you I have the 
evidence, the prima facie evidence, that Watcrville is only 



** Tbcj arc tbc brainiest iot of nun tb%% country bos ever produced.** 


restin’, as it were, preparator>' to enterin’ the free-for-all 
hurdle race, and makin’ the fastest time on record. Yes, 
sir, her time will be a record breaker, and she will dis- 
tance all would-be competitors, notwithstandin’ the slan- 


GRA Y ROCKS. 


163 


derous and libelous article's now goin* the rounds in the 
press. ' ' 

‘ ‘ We now, *’ continued Ballard, ‘ ‘ are a ways-and-means 
committee. The closing of our public school would in- 
deed l)e a calamity. They asked me over at the town 
meetin* how much money was in the school treasury^. I 
told them I didn’t know. I beg you gentlemen’s pardon 
for my reply, I do know. There is not a cent. I wa5 
forced into the awkward position of tellin’ a falsehood foi 
the good of my adopted city, Waterville. Now, gentle 
men, what do you advise?” 

” I think,” said Donald, ” that our tax payers propei 
are not objecting to the expense of our public school. 
The Water\’ille Town Company owns fully three-fourths 
of all the property in Water\'ille, and we want the school 
to go on. The citizens who are the loudest in denouncing 
the expense, and calling most vigorously for retrench- 
ment, as a matter of fact, do not pay a penny of tax.” 

“You’re right,’’ said Dick Ballard, glowingly, “that's 
the talk ! There’s argument in your remarks, Mr. 
Donald, and if I had them printed on dodgers I would 
regard it as a personal privilege to deliver copies to mem- 
bers of my State Militia Company, and issue a general 
order to have them distributed over the entire town.” 

“I wish to call your attention to one thing,” con- 
tinued Ballard. “No member of my State Militia 
Company voted to discontinue our.public school ; no, sir, 
not one.” 

Winthrop was called on for remarks, and observ’ed that 
the demonstration was a hasty action that would not be 
approved, probably, by the people themselves on mature 
reflection. 


1 G 4 


CRA y ROCKS. 


“ A few weeks ago,” he went on, “these same people 
V re hurrahing for the Waterville Town Company. They 
jjcpect us to perform wonders in a few weeks* time, that 
in reality require months, and even years. I fully believe 
•he present depression will be followed by a healthy 
a 'tivity that will satisfy the most pronounced pessimist in 
Water\'ille.” 

“Gentlemen,*’ said Dick Ballard, “there are four of 
us. Miss Virginia Bonifield is a most exemplary young 
lady, while, as a teacher, she is without a peer. I stand 
ready to pledge myself for one-fourth of her salary. Her 
salary for the entire year is $500. 

” Put me down for one fourth,” said Vance. 

”I will gladly pay one- fourth,” said Marcus Donald.. 
“ and my check is ready at any time.” 

” Count me in on the deal,” said Homer Winthrop 

“Just one thing, gentlemen,** said Dick Ballard, “I 
am pretty well acquainted with Miss Virginia Bonifield. 
She possesses the spirit of independence to a very large 
degree. She is, indeed, the daughter 
of her father. Colonel Bonifield. If 
she knew that her salary was comin* 
from a private source, why, you could 
not get her to touch a dollar of it, 
therefore I think it best to consider 
this compact and agreement strictly 
confidential.** 

Dick Ballard’s views met with the 
approval of his associates, and then the 
conversation became general. Vance 
i nquired when the Town Company would probably hold 
another meeting. 



Ibcy ret at u tbe school. 


GRA Y ROCKS. 


165 


“Not for some time, from present indications, “ replied 
AVinthrop. 

“No,“ replied Marcus Donald, “I have to-day re- 
ceived a letter from Colonel Alexander, and he says it 
will be necessary, on account of pressing business in the 
Wharfage and Dockage Company down on the Gulf coast, 
to defer holding another Town Company meeting for 
some months. The only thing we can do,*' continued 
Donald, “is to keep a good grip on our holdings here 
and wait. The dark days will roll by like so many clouds 
and the sun will shine again. Watendlle will be in the 
ascendency. Strangers will be coming in, bringing 
money for internal improvements ; this great valley 
will be settled up, and successful activity, in my judg- 
ment, will take the place of the present unfortunate de- 
pression.’* 

Vance continued his stay in Water\dlle several days 
longer than he had at first intended. His frequent con- 
sultations with Homer Winthrop and Marcus Donald led 
him to believe they were two of the most honorable men 
he had ever met. PoSvSibly they were wrong in their 
judgment about Waterville, but they certainly were 
sincere. They seemed like men who had been. fighting 
for a goal against bitter odds. The goal was finally 
reached when the last obligation of the Water\’ille Town 
Company had been paid. They were left practically 
penniless, or at best, with very little money ; yet they 
were content to wait until time should lift then out of the 
trough of the sea upon the waves of commercial activity 
again, which they fully believed would come. 

When Vance started for Gold Bluff, he said he might 
see them again in a couple of weeks, and again, he migh: 


160 


GRA y ROCKS. 


not see them for a year or longer. He was wholly unde- 
cided what to do. 

Arriving at Gold Bluff in the evening, Vance made a 
hasty toilet and called upon the woman he secretly loved 
so devotedly. She welcomed him warmly. Soon after, 
they were seated in the little parlor where Vance had 
spent so many happy evenings. 

The Colonel greeted him enthusiastically. The open 
grate was crackling and burning cheerily with a bright 
wood fire, and seemed to add warmth to the welcome 
extended. 

“ Am delighted to see yo’, Mr. Gilder, 

I am indeed, suh. We have at Jast 
reached the 400 foot level. Temporary 
embarrassments will soon be relegated 
into antiquity, yes, suh ; a few days 
longer, a few days mo* of waitin’, suh. 
and the struggle for a livin’ will be oveh 
with. No matteh how much we may 
fight against it, we are bound to be 
wealthy. Of cou’se it’ll take a few days yet, but only a 
few.” 

It was evident that the Colonel was greatly in earnest. 
It was a welcome hope to Vance. He briefly related to 
the Colonel and Louise concerning the depression at 
Water\dlle, but that he still had hopes that eventually — 
he did not pretend to say exactly when, but some time in 
the future — his investment in Waterville town lots would 
turn out all right. 

“ On gen’al principles,” said Colonel Bonifield, ” I am 
not favo’able to real estate spec’lations. I presume, suh, 
the reason is I know so vehy little about them, but when 



7 be 400 foot level. 


G/^AV ROCKS. 


167 


it comes to a mine, suh, ’specially like Gray Rocks, I 
inva’ably know, suh, what I am talkin' about. Louise,” 
said tlie Colonel, looking at his daughter, “ let us have 
some music. I see Mr. Gilder is vehy tired, and we will 
talk no mo’ business this evenin’.” 

Louise opened the piano and sang for them. There 
was a plaintive sweetness in the girl’s voice that made 
Vance’s heart pulse with delicious contentment. Hope 
played back and forth among the chords as the music 
swelled and surged in sweet, symphonious strains. While 
she was singing, he felt how easy it would be to declare 
his love, but when she had ceased, and the last vibrations 
of music had died away, he knew he lacked the courage. 

Vance would be called a brave man in the daily walks 
of life, and yet, as Louise’s lover, he was the most arrant 
of cowards. 


CHAPTER XX. 


THE STAGE IS ROBBED. 

HE next morning Vance met his old 
acquaintance, Hank Casey. 

“Good morning, Mr. Casey, “ said 
Vance, cheerily. 

“Hello, pardner/* was the laconic 
and somewhat dejected reply. 

“ I haven't seen you for some time," 
said Vance. 

“No, I’ve been prospectin’ ’round 
these ’ere diggin’s, but I guess I won’t stay much longer. 
The court decided agin Steve Gibbons an’ me. I think 
I’ll go back to Butte City afore long. She’s the pertest 
minin' camp in the ’hul country.’’ 

“ You say the court has decided against you?’’ repeated 
Vance. 

“ Yes,’’ he replied, “ Steve Gibbons an’ me had a law 
suit agin’ Rufus Grim over the Peacock. B. Webster 
Legal is a pretty cute lawyer, an’ for a time he made it 
bilin’ hot for old Grim, but somehow on the show-down 
we got done up. It don't make much diflFerence how cute 
a feller’s lawyer is, when the court’s prejudiced all out o’ 
shape. I sometimes think old Grim has a ’nuf sight bet- 
ter title to the court of this ’ere district than he has to the 
Peacock mine.’’ 

“Your friend Gibbons,’’ said Vance, “told me som> 



CJ^AV ROCKS. 


160 


thing of this law suit, and I rather expected, with the 
assistance of an attorney like B. Webster Legal, you 
would succeed in establishing your claim. You have my 
sympathy if an injustice has been done you.'' 

“Oh, it wa’n't no fault of Lawyer Legal, I can tell you. 
He’s a hummer, and a mighty social chap in the bargain; 
but this 'ere game isn’t played to a finish yet, pardner, 
not by several great, big moves on the chess board. You 
see, we’ve appealed it to the higher courts, but they’re so 
dangnation slow that a feller had better get a hustle on 
hisself while he’s waitin’ for a decision or he’ll star\"e. 
When old Grim has his neck broken, honest people may 
then get their just deserts.’’ He seemed dejected, and 
soon after took his leave, saying that he was going into 
the mountains to do a little prospecting. 

The Peacock mine was constantly increasing its output 
of the yellow metal. Nearly every stage carried shipments 
of gold bullion to the mints. Rufus Grim was growing 
richer and more pompous. His satellites and admirers no- 
ticeably increased after the courts had decided in his favor. 

In tlie meantime the pumps in Gray Rocks had broken 
down and delayed the work several weeks. Vance was in 
a state of feverish anxiety. He longed to be relieved from 
the mental strain and know whether he was a half owner 
in a gold mine that produced in paying quantities, or only 
a half owner in a worthless shaft in the mountain side. 

He retired one evening at an early hour, tired out and 
thoroughly disgusted with his achievements in the west. 
He was awakened about two o’clock in the morning by a 
great commotion going on below. Hastily dressing him- 
self, he went down to the bar-room, where he found 
everything was wild with excitement. 


170 


GRAY ROCRS, 


The stage coach had l^een robbed, and it was reported j 
that Steve Gibbons was dead. Hasty ]^reparations were J 
being made to form a posse and start in pursuit of the 
highwaymen. The express company had .some heavy ■{ 
consignments of gold bullion sent from the Peacock mine, ' 
and it was reported missing. Vance .signified his willing- 
ness to join in the pursuit, and was - 
furnished with a horse, and .soon after J 
they started pell-mell down the moun- 
tain road from Gold Bluff in the J 
direction of Waterv’ille, to the point j 
where the robbery had taken place. 1 
Rufus Grim offered $i,ooo for the ^ 

• ^ ’ ■ ■ j 

capture of the perpetrators, which, j 
together with a large sum offered by 
yance was awakened. the express couipaiiy. Stimulated a > 
feverish interest in the cha.se. jj 

The sun was just coming up when they reached the " 
place where the robbers had sallied forth from a neigh- \ 
boring mountain gorge the morning before and committed ] 
their lawless w’ork. About tw’o miles beyond, they found 
the only two pa.ssengers of the ill-fated stage coach. A ; 
gentleman and his wdfe from the east had been visiting ^ 
Colonel Boast, the rich rancher wdio lived near Gold ; 
Bluff, and w^ere returning to their eastern home. The 
gentleman had been relieved of his w^allet, containing 
some $2,000, also his watch, diamond pin, and his wdfe of J 
her jew^elry. They w^ere left in a destitute condition, and '[ 
were w’aiting to take the next stage back to Gold Bluff to - 
secure such aid from Colonel Boast as would enable them ^ 
to continue their homeward journey. 

They said there were five of the robbers. When they 



GRA V ROCKS. 


171 


commanded Steve Gibbons to stop, he whipped up his 
horses, and received a bullet through his body for his 
attempted bravery. He fell from the stage coach and 
sustained serious injuries. The robbers quickly stopped 
the horses, relieved the two passengers of their posses- 



Tbey started pell melt down the mountain road. 


sions, secured the express matter and started for the moun- 
tain wilds, taking with them the four dapple-gray horses 
that vSteve Gibbons had prided himself so much in driving. 

Gibbons had been carefully cared for by the mountain 
rancher and his wife, where the two passengers were 


172 


GRA Y ROCKS. 


stopping. A physician had been sent for and dressed his 
wounds. He said Gibbons would get well; the bullet 
had struck a rib and glanced off. 

After learning these meager details, the posse pushed 
on into the mountains in hot pursuit. They were under 
command of the sheriff of the county. The trail of the 
desperadoes was easily followed. Along hi the afternoon, 
the sheriff called a halt for refreshments. The horses 
were tethered with lariats to some trees that grew near a 
mountain stream, and permitted to graze while the men 
refreshed themselves with lunches which they had 
brought along. 

“We’re twenty-four hours behind the rascals,” said 
the sheriff, “and I don’t know whether we’ll overtalce 
them or not.” S^me of the men were eager to go on, and 
others were ready to give up the chase. After a rest of 
an hour or such a matter, the order was given to again 
mount, and the trail was followed until darkness set in. 
Sleeping on the ground with the starry canopy for a cov- 
ering was a new experience for Vance, but he was deter- 
mined not to show the white feather. What others 
endured he would endure. 

About ten o’clock the next morning, they came to a 
mountain gorge and followed the trail to a point where it 
seemed quite impossible for a horseman to ascend, it was 
so steep and rugged. The sheriff and a few of his men 
dismounted and went on ahead, looking for the trail. 
They found horses’ tracks, but where could they have 
gone? The grass was deep and heavy in the center of 
the gulch, and fringed with trees and boulders on either 
side. Finally the sheriff returned and reported the trail 
as lost. 


GRA V ROCKS. 


173 


“They have evidently come into this * pocket 'of a 
canon to throw us off their trail. We will have to return 
to the mouth of the gorge and see in what other direction 
the trail leads. ’ ' 

The afternoon was spent in searching for the lost trail. 
Night overtook the party again, and rations were very 
short. Their meal was a frugal one, and far from satis- 
fying the hunger of men who had ridden hard all day. 
The horses were securely fastened and the party lay down 
to sleep. Vance made his bed on some bunch grass that 
grew under the wide-spreading branches of a mountain 
pine. He could plainly hear the rippling of a stream 
which ran near by, and when deep silence settled down 
over the landscape, save the occasional snort of one of the 
horses, the singing of the stream grew louder and louder. 
The smell of pine added to the deliciousness of his novel 
and strange surroundings. Weariness soon overcame the 
discomforts of his improvised bed, and he sank to sleep. 
Suddenly he awoke in the middle of the night, but found 
everyone else was deep in slumber, save the two guards 
that had been left on duty a few yards from the camp. 
The stars were winking at him from above; a wolf was 
howling a dismal cadence, and was answered by another 
far away in a different direction. An owl hooted its dis- 
cordant strain from the dead branch of a tree a short 
distance away. 

He closed his eyes, and thought of the wonderful 
change that a few months had brought into his life; but 
these thoughts one after another vanished; and still other 
fancies went pell-mell through his imagination in the 
panorama of thought. Presently a face appeared on this 
mental canvas — so sweet, so tender, so trusting, and 


174 


GRA y ROCKS. 


wreathed in T.iat smile he knew so well. He started, 
opened his eye s and murmured, “ Louise.” 

The wolf how!ed again in the distance, and he thought 
he detected a snappish twang in its concluding barks, 
and w’ondered if it foreboded danger. Occasionally one 
of the horses would snort and .stamp on the ground, and 
then go on munching, munching, the grass on which 
they were feeding. Finally he dozed again and slept. 
He thought it was only a moment afterw^ard, when some- 
one shook his shoulder and told him to g^et up. He 
opened his eyes and found it was morning. 

He hastily sprang up and found there was considerable 
excitement among his associates. The sheriff was miss- 
ing. About a half hour later he came into camp and 
said he had been out looking for the trail, but could find 
nothing of it. He said they might as well return home. 
Vance was not sorry of this decision, for he was hungry 
and tired and sore. There were niutterings, however, 
among some of the sheriff’s posse, and they whispered 
among themselves as if they su.spected their chief of 
crooked work. . * 

It took them two days to return to Gold Bluff. They 
found Steve Gibbons at the hotel, and able to sit up. The 
robbers had all worn masks, and it was impossible for 
him to give a description of any of them. The represent- 
ative of the express company was evidently disappointed 
that the sheriff had not been able to find the desperadoes; 
$10,000 of gold bullion had been stolen, as well as other 
valuable express matter. 

A few days later, Steve Gibbons declared that he was 
able to resume his place on the stage coach, but it trans- 
pired that two of his bondsmen had asked to be relieved. 


G/^A V ROCKS. 


175 


This was an insinuation that some one regarded him as 
an accomplice in the unfortunate stage robbery. He inves- 
tigated and found it was Rufus Grim who had advised 
two of his bondsmen to be a little careful. During the 
day, through Vance’s assistance, Gibbons succeeded in 
giving a satisfactory bond. 

That evening, a little the worse for drink, he accosted 
Rufus Grim at the post office, where the Gold Bluff vill- 
agers were wont to congregate on the 
arrival of the evening coach. 

Steve Gibbons was evidently the agres- 
sor. “l>)ok’ee here, Mr. Grim,*’ said 
Steve Gibbons, approaching him, “you’ve 
been interferin’ with me for a good many 
years, and it’s time you was lettin’ up.’’ 

“I don’t know, Mr. Gibbons,’’ said 
Grim, “ that I have ever interfered with 
you. I have plenty of business of my 
own to look after, without bothering with other people’s.’’ 

“That’s all right, pardner; ” said Gibbons, “ but there’s 
somebody likely to wish they’d never been born if they 
don’t quit foolin' with me. You advdsed some of my 
bondsmen to take their names off from the bond, but I’ve 
got other friends, and jes’ as many of ’em as you have, 
and don’t you forget it!’’ 

“There must be some mistake, Mr. Gibbons,’’ said 
Grim, very coolly. 

“I know,” said Gibbons,’’ “jes’ what I’m talkin’ 
about. You have tried to infer that I was mixed up in 
the robbery of the stage coach, and I say you are an un- 
principled old .scoundrel, and a liar in the bargain. If I 
was as strong as I was before I was shot, I’d maul the 



Gibbons is hilarious. 


170 


GRA y ROCKS. 


earth with you. You stole the Peacock mine from Hank 
Casey an’ me, an’ I’ve my suspicions that you bought 
judge and jury to beat us in our law suit.” 

One would have thought that Grim would have become 
very angry, but instead, he tried to pacify the irate and 
angry Steve Gibbons. It seemed to anger Gibbons 
beyond description that he could not disturb the even 
temper of Rufus Grim, and finally, in a burst of anger at 
Grim, Gibbons said: ‘‘You’d better have your life 
insured, old man, for somebody’s goin’ to be revenged, 
and the day of judgment ain’t very far ’way, nuther.” 

At this threat. Grim turned quickly and reached for 
his revolver. Gibbons was unarmed. A moment later. 
Grim seemed to master himself, and turning away, walked 
down the street. 

Hank Casey put his arm through Steve Gibbon’s and 
led him to the hotel. Gibbons was hilarious, but Casey 
felt that in his hilarity he had been very indiscreet. The 
next morning, however, he mounted the stage coach on 
his regular run between Gold BlufiF and Waterville. 


CHAPTER XXI. 


REACHING THE 400 FOOT LEVEL. 


the excitement incident to Col. 
Bonifield’s cross-cutting into the 
vein, the stage robbery,, and the 
bewildering evenings spent in the 
society of Louise, Vance quite for- 
got about his hopes and fears rel- 
ative to his investment in Water- 
ville. 

One evening he was out for a 
walk near the Bonifields*. Louise was standing on the 
porch. He lifted his hat, and she weaved a dainty little 
handkerchief, and came down the road to meet him. 
There was a troubled expression on her face which Vance 
had never seen before. It cut him to the heart, and he 
feared some great calamity had befallen her. 

“Mr. Gilder, “ said she, after the morning salutation, 

‘ ‘ my father is very despondent this morning, and while 
he desires greatly to see you, yet he is so broken dowm 
that I do not know whether he will be able to see anyone 
until this afternoon.” 

“Why, what has happened?” asked Vance, in alarm. 
They were walking along toward the Bonifield residence 
as they talked. 

‘ ‘ So you have not heard V ' said Louise, looking up with 
her big, blue eyes. Vance looked at her in astonishment. 

177 



12 


178 


GRA V ROCKS. 


You have not heard/' she repeated, that they have 
finished cross-cutting?” 

” No," replied Vance. 

” Yes, they have finished the work,” repeated Louise, 
and then almost broke down in tears. He led her to a 
seat on the broad porch where the morning sun shone full 
and warm, and begged her to calm herself, and tell him 
what had happened to her father. 

‘^Is it not quite enough?" said she, looking up at 
Vance through her tears, ‘‘another disappointment is 
father’s only reward.” 

Vance was shocked, for this disappointment meant a 
great deal to him. 

‘‘ Is it possible," he ejaculated, “and your father was 
so confident only the other night !” 

“You will not be. angry with father?” said Louise, 
laying her hand on Vance’s arm. 

“Angry," replied Vance, “ no ; why should Ihe? He 
and I are jointly interested in results. If they are un- 
favorable, why, he cannot be more disappointed than I 
am. Had he been successful, we would have been equal 
partners as well.” 

“ Thank you," said Louise, “ I pity my poor father so 
much.” She dried her eyes a little and then went on: 
“Aunt Sally was so querulous with papa last evening 
when she heard the result, and it made papa very un- 
happy ; indeed, he did not sleep any during the night, 
though I have comforted him as well as I could.” 

“And have not slept a wink?” said Vance, looking at 
her keenly. 

“ How could I, when papa was so troubled?" 

Vance was silent. Presently he spoke: “I will con- 


GI^A y I^OCICS, 


170 


fess I never was more disappointed in my life. I was so 
hopeful your father would be successful. Mind/* he con- 
tinued, hastily, glancing at Louise, ‘‘ I attach no blame 
to him.” 

“Thank you,” she murmured, and Vance went on. 



** You will not he angry with father, will you ?** 


‘ ‘ No, I do not blame him, neither do I blame myself. 
Hundreds, yes, thousands have pursued the same course. 
Some of them have been successful, and others, ourselves 
included, have not. I regret that your father should 


180 


G/eA V ROCKS. 


have spent so many years of his life in that useless pros- 
pect shaft.** 

“There is hope yet, Mr. Gilder.** 

“ Hope,*’ said Vance quickly, “where?** 

“The ore,** she continued, “is richer than at the 300 
foot level.’* 

“And do you believe — ?’* commenced Vance 
“ Do not ask me, please, Mr. Gilder, what I believe at 
this time. Mr. Grim was here early this morning and 
left a proposition with papa. He has not the heart, he 
says, to tell you of it, and requested me to do so. You 
know, Mr. Grim,*' she continued, “is said to be a very 
good business man. He has examined the ore found at 
the 400 foot level, and says it is much richer than at the 
300 foot level. He offers now, if you and papa will give 
him a half interest in the mine, to furnish the money to 
sink the shaft to the 500 foot level.** 

“ So,** said Vance, reflectively. Presently he said : “ If 
Rufus Grim has confidence to go to the 500 foot level, 
why not your father and I?** 

“ But it will cost $6,000, Mr. Gilder, and neither papa 
nor I could think of asking you to put any more money 
into Gray Rocks. ’ ’ 

“ I do not think your father should take it to heart so; 
indeed, I do not.” 

‘ ‘ He does not care for himself, and neither do I care 
for myself, Mr.. Gilder, but we do care for you.* 

Vance started and the blood mounted to his face 
“You have been so kind to my father and placed such 
unbounded confidence in his judgment, and now it seems 
as if it were impossible for him ever to repay you, unless 
— ,*' she hesitated. 


GRA V ROCKS, 


181 


** Unless what?” asked Vance, impatiently. 

“Unless you would be willing to join father in giving 
a half interest in Gray Rocks to Mr. Grim, and let him 
go on and develop the mine.’* 

“ AVhat does your father advise ? What does he say ?” 

“ He wants to go on to the 500 foot level, Mr. Gilder, 
and says he will give his own half interest in Gray Rocks 
to Mr. Grim rather than let the work stop at the 400 foot 
level. Father believes that at the 500 foot level they will 
strike ore as rich as any that has been discovered on the 
Peacock, and it looks as if Mr. Grim thought the same 
way, else he would not be so willing to advance the 
money.” 

“ Have you confidence in Mr. Grim ?” asked Vance. 

“We have always distrusted him,** replied Louise, 
“but perhaps he is not so bad and mean as we have 
thought.’* 

“ And do you think,** asked Vance, “that ore will be 
discovered at the 500 foot level ?’* 

“ I don’t know,** she replied, “ but I hope so.** 

“Would it not be better,” urged Vance, “to give it 
all up and leave these wild mountains and return to 
civilization, so to speak, where your father could enjoy 
the remaining years of his life in peace and contentment ?** 
His words were full of earnestness, and he spoke with 
great deliberation. 

“If such an opportunity should present itself,” said 
Louise, “ I know my father would refuse it, for he is so 
high-spirited, and moreover, he believes that a little more 
work, and a little more time and expense on Gray Rocks, 
and his prophecy will be fulfilled.” 

Vance rose to go, but still lingered near the beautiful 


182 


GRA V kOCK'S, 


girl, as if vShe were a balm to his evident disappointment. 
Finally he said : “ You say it will require $6,000. Now, 
if you had $6,000, Miss Louise, and it was every dollar 
you had in the world, what would you do with it?’' 

‘ ‘ I would sink the shaft on Gray Rocks to the 500 foot 
level,” she replied quickly. “Shall I tell my father,” 
she asked, as Vance started to go, “that you are favor- 
able to Mr. Grim’s proposition ? ’ 

“No,” replied Vance, doggedly, “I have no confi- 
dence in Rufus Grim. You may tell your father that I 
say not to worry any more. With your permission, I will 
return in a couple of hours, and will then be glad to see 
him.” 

Louise seemed ignorant of any knowledge of Vance’s 
passionate love for her. Her mind and thoughts were so 
entirely in sympathy with her father, whom she loved so 
dearly and so devotedly. As Vance bade her good-bye, 
she took his outstretched hand as if he had been her 
benefactor, instead of only her father’s friend. 

“ Your judgment,” said Vance, “has decided me; we 
will go on blasting — down, down, down — through .solid 
rock toward an unknown doom. How it will end re- 
mains to be seen.” Before Louise could make a reply, 
he had turned and walked rapidly away toward his hotel. 

Looking carefully over his accounts, he found he still 
had to his credit, in the Chemical National Bank of New 
York city, barely $6,000. He paced the floor for a full 
half-hour in deep thought. Finally he paused and said 
aloud, “she would advance her last dollar to sink the 
shaft to the 500 foot level — a weak, little, lovely woman, 
yet stronger in her affections and devotion than a regi- 
ment of soldiers. Yes, I will do it ; I will gamble my 


183 


GRA Y ROCKS, 

last dollar — for it is nothing better than a gamble, and 
yet — well, who knows? We may strike it after all.” 

He drew a check for the amount, making it payable to 
Colonel Ben Bonifield. Before signing it, he looked at it 
long and thoughtfully. “Why do I do this? Is it my 
faith in Gray Rocks? No. Is it my faith in Colonel 
Bonifield? No. Is it my faith in Louise ? Yes, a thous- 
and times, yes.” His hand trembled a little as he signed 
his name to the check. It was the last throw of the dice. 
He felt that he had in a measure passed his word to 
Louise. There was a question of daily bread that must 
now be solved. The question was immediately ahead of 
him. He would call on Colonel Bonifield and then devote 
himself to the bread question. Yes, he would solve it. 

Strong with resolution, and with a judgment sadly 
warped because of his love for Louise, he returned to the 
Bonifield home. Louise met him at the door, and he 
went with her into the spacious parlor, where a wood fire 
was burning brightly in the open grate. 

“I delivered your message to my father,” she said, 
“ and he has fallen into a restful sleep.' 

“ Do not disturb him," said Vance, “ in this envelope 
is a check for $6,000. Tell him to start to-morrow morn- 
ing for the 500 foot level.” 

The impulsive Louise took the proffered envelope from 
Vance with hands that trembled noticeably, while two 
great tears dimmed her lustrous blue eyes. ‘ ‘ Why have 
you done this?” she asked. 

It is probable that Vance would then and there have 
told her why, had not Colonel Bonifield appeared in the 
door. “Mr. Gilder,” said he, “ Yo'r presence in my 
house brings sunshine with it. Yo’ know the worst. 


184 


G/^AV ROCKS. 


Louise tells me she has informed yo of the unfortunate 
geological formation to be found at the 400 foot level in 
Gray Rocks ?rr 

Louise turned from Vance to her father while he was 
speaking, and buried her face on his breast, weeping in 
stifled sobs. When Colonel Bonifield asked her why she 
was weeping, she handed him the envelope, and pillowed 
her head deeper on his breast. He opened the envelope 
and carefully scanned the check. The old manrs eyes 
were dimmed with tears of gratitude. One arm was 
about his daughter, and the other he extended toward 
Vance, who accepted the proSered hand. 

‘‘Suh,r’ Colonel, ‘‘ Yor oveh- 

poweh me with yo’r confidence. I have 
been workinr gQ long on Gray 

Rocks, suh, that I can’t blame my friends 
if they should lose heart. But, suh, 
somethinr keeps a tellin’ me that my 
effb’ts will yet be rewarded. Yo’ honor 
me by sharin’ my confidence in the out- 
come of Gray Rocks ; yo’ do, indeed, 
suh. There’s good blood, Mr. Gilder, 
cou’sin’ through yo’r veins, and there’s a crown awaitin’ 
yo’ when once we’ve reached the 500 foot level ; yes, suh. 
I may neveh have mentioned it to yo’, but I once told yo’r 
father that if he would stay by Gray Rocks, it would 
I'Mke him a millionaire. I have forgotten whether I ever 
made the obse’vation to yo’ or not, but I wish to assure 
yo’ at this time, Mr. Gilder, in the presence of Louise, 
suh, that 3"o’r confidence in Gray Rocks is well-founded, 
and she will make yo’ richer than all the possessions left 
yo’ by yo’r worthy father ; yes, suh, much richer.” 



‘‘Sub/* said tbc 
Colonel. 


185 


G/eA V ROCKS, 

Louise dried her tears and soon was cheerful as a 
mountain thrush that had never known a sorrow. The 
old Colonel declared he had never felt better in his life, 
and that work should be commenced early the following 
morning. 

On his way back to the hotel, Vance called at the office 
of the Gold Bluff Prospector. 

“ Where is your typo?'" asked Vance in the course ot 
the conversation. 

“Haven’t got any,” replied the proprietor, “he left 
this morning on the stage. We’ll not be able to get out 
an issue of the paper this week unless we find someone 
that can set type. Say,” said he, “why can’t I sell my 
printing office to you ?’ ’ 

“ I’m not able to buy,” replied Vance. 

“ Well, I’ll lease it to you.” 

“On what terms,” asked Vance. 

“ I’d lease it to you for one year for half its earnings,” 
replied the good-natured proprietor, who never was known 
to have enough energy to walk across the street to solicit 
an advertisement. 

“What will it earn in a year?” 

“Oh, twelve or fifteen hundred dollars — subscriptions 
and advertisements. I own the building. I call this the 
reception and editorial room ; the other is the composing 
room, while the one back of where we are sitting is where 
the printer usually sleeps.” 

In Vance’s college days, he had been one of the trio 
who had edited a college paper, set their own type, made 
up their own forms and circulated the issue after night, 
contenting themselves, for a compensation, with the 
general wonderment of their fellow-students as to who 


186 


GRA Y ROCKS, 


were the publishers. He felt that he was capable of act- 
ing as type-setter, as well as writing editorials, on the 
Gold Bluff Prospector, He examined the room designated 
as the sleeping apartment of the printer, and found it 
comfortable, yet very plain. 

He told the proprietor he thought very favorably of his 
proposition, and believed he would accept it. The print- 
ing was done on an old-fashioned hand press, which 
would require the assistance of a boy for a couple of hours 
once a week. Aside from this, Vance believed he was 
competent to handle all the details and labor connected 
with the paper. Before he retired that night, arrange- 
ments had all been made, the lease 
drawn and signed, and Vance com- 
menced operations the next morning 
as the proprietor of the Gold Bluff 
Prospector. He moved his trunk and 
personal effects into the shabby back 
room, to be used in the future as his 
sleeping apartment. He settled his 
hotel bill, and found that he had less 
than $3.00 in his pocket on which to 
begin the struggle for bread. 

It was a new experience, not without its novelty and 
excitement in anticipation, however. After he had 
arranged his room quite tidily, he commenced setting 
type, and smiled good humoredl}" to himself as he thought 
of the change from the great New York banner to the 
Prospector, Yes, he had made sacrifices ; and would he 
not willingly make any more to remain near the woman 
he loved with a love that surpasseth understanding. 



Uance moves. 


CHAPTER XXII. 


STARTING THE BOOM. 



IXTEEX hours a day for three da3^s was 
Vance's first experience on the Prospector. 
All day and far into the evening he set 
type and made up forms, until finally the 
paper was read}" to be brought out. It 
contained the retiring proprietor’s bow to 
the public, and Vance’s announcement. 

The next evening he called at the 
Bonifields’. Louise greeted him more 
kindly than ever. The Colonel, after assuring him that 
excellent progress was being made on Gray Rocks, turned 
the conversation to Vance's new venture. 

“ Vehy creditable, .suh; vehy creditable, indeed,’' said 
he, glancing at a copy of the Prospector which he had 
been reading. Louise and I think yo’ve made an 
excellent beginnin’, suh, vehy excellent.” 

Indeed we do,” said Louise; ” we have often heard, 
though, that editors were quite exclusive, and we didn’t 
know but that was the reason 3"ou have not called on us 
for so long a time.” 

”\Vell, that is the reason,” revSponded Vance, jest- 
ingly. “As managing editor of the Prospector, I have 
been exclusively engaged in setting type, making up 
forms, etc.” 

They laughed at Vance’s remark, and complimented, 


187 



188 


GRA Y ROCKS. 


liini on being able to impersonate all the functionaries of 
a printing establishment. In the midst of their conversa- 
tion, Aunt Sally appeared at the door of the parlor, and 
courtesying low to Vance, said: 

‘‘ Good evenin’, Mr. Gilder; I ’low I've been wantin’ 
to see yo* fo’ some time, suh.” 

Vance returned the salutation by rising and bowing 
politely. As he sat down he noticed the Colonel was 
greatly disturbed, as if he feared a storm was approaching. 

‘‘ Mr. Gilder,” commenced Aunt Sally, ” I consider it 
my duty to inform yo’ that yo’ are makin’ as big a fool of 
yo ’self as my brother is of hisself.” 

‘‘ Come, sister,” said the Colonel, ”come, come.” 

” Benjamin,” said Aunt Sally, looking hard at him over 
her spectacles, ”I shall have my say. I consideh it a 
duty that I -owe Mr. Gilder to inform him that he is 
squanderin’ his money. There is not a chance in ten 
thousand; no, suh, not one, fo’ yo’ to eveh get back a 
penny of the money yo’ve given my brother. Besides, 
yo’re only encouragin’ Benjamin to fool his time away. 
I have mighty neah worn my life out takin’ care of him, 
Virgie and Louise. Virginia has a good deal of sense — a 
heap mo’, I am proud to sa}^ than Benjamin or Louise 
has.” 

”I hope, Mr. Gilder,” observed the Colonel, “that 
yo’ll remember an obse’vation I made some time ago in 
regard to my sister ” 

“ What have yo’ been sayin’ about me? ” asked Aunt 
Sally, and she looked threateningly at him. The Colonel 
paid no attention to his sister’s remark, and went on : 

“ Yo’ will remember I obse’ved at one time, suh, that 
my sister was a most ext’ao’dina’y woman; yes, suh, 


GRA y ROCKS, 


189 


most ext’ao’dina’y; she is possessed of a most rema’kable 
intellect. There is, however, a slight disagreement in 
regard to our judgment relative to Gray Rocks. She is 
vehy set in her ways, vehy, indeed; and, I am sorry to 



There are times, sub, when it*s necessarv for me to put my foot down. 


say, doesn’t share in our belief relative to the final out- 
come of our minin’ property.” 

‘‘ Benjamin,” said Aunt Sally, still looking at him over 
her spectacles, “ it is not a difference of opinion; it’s 
a vehy wide one, indeed. If yo’ had a huiid’ed thousand 



190 


GRA Y ROCKS, 


dollars to-day, suli, yo’d be grub-stakin’ all the pesky 
mines in the mountains around Gold Bluff; yo’ know yo’ 
would. There are times, suh, when it’s necessary fo’ me 
to put my foot down, and I ain’t goin’ to neglect my duty 
any longer. Mr. Gilder has got to know the true situa- 
tion, and if he has no mo’ sense than to go on givin’ yo’ 
money to dig a worthless hole in the earth, why, I’ll 
wash my hands of him, and have the consolation of 
knowin’ that I told him befo’hand what he might expect. ” 
Vance would have been amused, had he not observed 
the pained expression on Louise’s face and the evident 
discomfiture of Colonel Bonifield. In reality, it was an 
opportune time for him to make an observation that he 
had long wanted understood between the Colonel and 
himself, and therefore he said: 

I am highly honored. Miss Bonifield, by your advice. 
Your brother, the Colonel, has been very enthusiastic in 
regard to Gray Rocks.” 

” Don’t I know it?” interrupted Aunt Sally. Haven’t 
I told him he was makin a fool of hisself? ” 

** Well,” continued Vance, ” I will not go quite so far 
in my remarks as that, but I will say this — that it would 
please me very much to have the Colonel’s assurance that 
if he fails to find the wealth he has been looking for so 
many years when the 500 foot level is reached, that he 
will abandon work on Gray Rocks and accept certain 
offers of a pecuniary nature in the east, which I have in 
mind.” 

“Well, if I knew,” replied Aunt Sally, “that there 
was to be an end to this thing, I’d have mo’ patience in 
waitin’ but my land! he no sooner gets to one level than 
he wants to push on to the next hund’ed foot level, and 


GRA V ROCKS. 


191 


goodness gracious! there’s no end to it! Why, if Benja- 
min had his way, and his life was spared long enough, I 
’low he’d have a hole clear through the earth!’* 

The Colonel was noticeably disturbed. He had risen 
and was walking back and forth in a nervous, yet digni- 
fied way. 

“ Yo’r request^ Mr. Gilder,” he finally said, “shall be 
complied with, suh, and in complyin’ with it, I hope that 
I also pacify my sister. I give yo’ my word of honor, 
suh, that when the 500 foot level is reached, and we have 
cross-cut into the vein of wealth that I feel positive, yes, 
suh, positive, is waitin’ to be brought to the light of day 
— if, I say, we should again be disappointed, then I am 
ready to give up my labors on Gray Rocks; yes suh, give 
up my life’s work. Of course, suh, yo’ cannot undeh- 
stand and perhaps neveh will, the magnitude of this 
promise.” There were tears in the Colonel’s voice, as 
well as in his eyes, wdien he ceased speaking. 

“Thank the Lord!” exclaimed Aunt Sally, as she 
raised her hands in an attitude of supplication and 
thanksgiving. “I feel now there’s goin’ to be an end of 
this tomfoolery, and I’ll not say another word, nary a 
word, until the 500 foot level is reached.” She turned to 
Vance as she started to leave the room, and bade him 
good-evening, and assured him that in her opinion she 
had accomplished a “ mighty sight of good.” 

As soon as the door closed behind her, Vance turned to 
the Colonel and begged him not to take the slightest 
notice of what his sister had said, for he knew her pecul- 
iarities and thought nothing of them. He also thanked 
him for his promise. Vance’s words seemed to relieve 
the Colonel greatly, and he became almost himself again 


GRA V ROCKS. 


H)2 

before the evening was over, and narrated to Vance with 
a fair degree of enthusiasm how nicely the pumps and 
other machinery in the mine were working. 

Afterwards Louise favored them with music, and Vance 
quite forgot himself, so pleasantly was he entertained, 
until, glancing at his watch, he found it was almost 
eleven o’clock. Soon after, he took his departure, 
and with a light heart wended his way to the printing 
office. 

His infatuation for Louise was of an ennobling char- 
acter. He was a fatalist in this: that he believed when 
the time came for him to speak his heart to her he would 
have courage to do so, and contented himself in loving 
blindly on. 

When he awoke next morning he found a heavy snow 
had fallen. Nothing like it had happened in Gold Blufi 
before in many years. A great many of the mines were 
necessarily shut down on account of the scarcity of fuel 
to operate the engines. During the next four weeks 
snows kept falling heavier and heavier, and in a measure 
cut off communication with the outer world. 

Vance applied himself industriously to his paper, wid- 
ening his acquaintanceship among the people of Gold 
Bluff, solicited advertisements, and succeeded far beyond 
his expectations. 

His friends complimented him on the neat appearance 
of the T^roSpeSlor, It was filled with excellent reading 
matter, and its circulation was constantly increasing. 

Another heavy snow storm during the holidays ren- 
dered the roads quite impassable and finally work on 
Gray Rocks was necessarily suspended, nor was it re- 
sumed until late the following spring. 


G/^AV ROCKS, 


193 


In the meantime matters were progressing slowly in 
the great Thief River Valley. There had been no meet- 
ing of the Waterville Town Compan3^ Homer AVinthrop 
and Marcus Donald regularly opened up the Town Com- 
pany’s oiBBce every morning and closed it every evening. 
Time hung heavy on their hands. Thus passed the 
winter months away in weary waiting for a boom in real 
estate that seemed stubborn and would not come. 

Dick Ballard called one aftenioon in early April, and 
suggested that his finances were running rather low, and 
if it would be convenient he would like a 
check for Homer Winthrop’s board. Win- 
throp was a proud fellow and disliked to 
admit that he was, in the ordinary parlance, 

“broke,” 

Homer suggested to Ballard the advis- 
ability of purchasing a few lots in Eagle’s 
Addition to Waterville. ‘ ‘ Or, ’ ’ said Win- 
throp, “ AVe can let you have a couple of 
lots adjoining }Our hotel. You’ve been a ^BaUard wants pay. 
good friend of ours and we would let you have them 
cheap, awfully cheap.’’ 

Dick Ballard sat back in his chair, inserted his thumbs 
in the arm-holes of his vest, and said: “Now, lookee 
here, Winthrop, I have been your friend, haven’t I ? ” 
Winthrop acknowledged that he had. “ I’ve been your 
friend, Mr. Donald, haven’t I?’’ said Ballard, pointing 
his index finger straight at Donald. 

“I think you have,” replied Donald, laughingly. 

“Yes, I’ve been Colonel Alexander's friend; I’ve been 
General Ira House’s friend; I’ve been B. Webster Eegal’s 
friend; in fact, gentlemen, I’ve been a friend to the 



194 


GRA y ROCKS. 


Waterville Town Company from start to finish.” He 
brought his hand down upon the table in front of him 
with great vehemence as die made this remark. ”Yes 
sir/’ he went on, have been a friend to you and to 
your enterprise, but when it comes, Homer Winthrop, to 
selling your uncle any Watervdlle town lots, why, you 
don’t know me. Oh, no; Dick Ballard usually knows 
which side his bread’s buttered on, and, between our- 
selves, I wouldn’t give you a square meal of victuals for 
any lot you’ve got in Eagle’s addition. No, sir, Mr. 
Winthrop, money is what I want, and pardon me for ob- 
serving, money is what I, politely, but nevertheless firmly, 
insist that you must produce — if not to-daj", perhaps to- 
morrow, and liquidate that little matter of board which 
has now been running for some three months.” 

Presently he walked over toward the window and 
looked wistfully out over the sage brush landscape. ‘ ‘ The 
grass is beginnin’ to gro\v,” said he, ” and I see it is 
startin’ in the streets as well as on the beautiful lots you 
have for sale. Remember, gentlemen,” said Ballard, as 
he turned and expectorated a vigorous ‘ ‘ pit-tew ’ ’ of 
tobacco juice toward the stove, ” \vhat I have said to you 
never has, nor never will, escape the lips of Dick Ballard; 
no, sir, I in your friend, but don’t try to work me with 
any town lots in payin’ board bills.” 

AVinthrop was noticeably non-plussed. Donald was 
laughing contentedly and quietly to himself at Winthrop’s 
discomfiture. Ballard looked on and chuckled, as much 
as to say, ” I am a heap sight smarter than you fellows 
give me credit for.” Finally he broke the silence by 
suddenly asking : 


GRA V ROCKS. 


195 


*‘Mr. Wintlirop, what is your lot w^orth next to my 
hotel ?’^ 

“ Five hundred dollars,” replied Winthrop, looking up. 

“I hope you’ll get it,*' said Ballard; ”yes, I hope 
3'ou’ll sell it for a thousand — but I’ll tell you somethin’,” 
said he, shutting one eye and looking hard at Winthrop 
with the other, wouldn’t trade you our militia com- 
pany’s new snare drum for both those condemned lots ; 
no, sir,” and he turned laughingly toward the door. 

Just here he came face to face with Miss Virginia Boni- 
field. Ballard lifted his hat and bowed low, for she was 
one of his boarders who paid promptly. After speaking 
pleasantly to Marcus Donald and Homer Winthrop, she 
said : 

” I am very glad you are here, Mr. Ballard, I want to 
ask your advice.” Dick Ballard was all attention, for if 
there was any one thing he liked to do better than an- 
other — barring a drill exercise with his state militia com- 
pany — it was to give advice. Homer Winthrop, notice- 
ably confused, pushed the best chair forward and invited 
Miss Bonifield to be seated. 

“Thank you,” said she, looking kindly at Homer, 
who, in turn, flushed scarlet. “ What I wish to ask is in 
regard to an investment in Waterville. ’ 

“Why, in what way?” asked Dick Ballard. 

“ In regard to making a purchase of town lots as an 
investment.” 

Ballard coughed immoderately, cleared his throat several 
times, “ a-hemmed,” got red in the face, looked helplessly 
toward Marcus Donald, and finally said : 

“ Nothin’ like it in the world. Miss Bonifield ; best in- 
vestment on earth. There’s not another place in the 


196 


GPA V ROCKS. 


United States will come out of the kinks like Waterville. 
No, sir ; if I had a million I’d plant every dollar of it in 
Watervdlle, every dollar. My land !” said he, glancing at 
his watch, “ it is three o’clock! Well, I must be goinh'* 
With this he took up his hat and hastily left the room. 

“ Is this a map of the town ?” asked Miss Virgie Boni- 
field, rising and approaching a map that hung on the 
wall near where Marcus Donald was seated. 

Yes, that is one of the best maps that has ever been 
gotten out,^* said Marcus Donald, adjusting his gold- 
rimmed spectacles. 

‘‘And where is Eagle’s Addition?” Marcus Donald 
pointed it out. 

“And what are you selling lots for in that part ot 
town ?” 

“ Well, really, Miss Bonifield,” said Donald, stammer- 
ing a little, “we haven’t been selling very many lots — 
that is, not recently. I will refer you to Mr. Winthrop ; 
he has charge of all such matters, and perhaps he can 
give you better advice than I can.“ 

“ But what do you advise in regard to investments in 
Waterville?” she asked, abruptly. 

“Oh, you know we believe in Waterville, Miss Boni- 
field ; we believe it is destined to be one of the greatest 
cities in the United States. Of course there has not been 
any marked activity during the past winter, but we are 
expecting business to open up well, most any time now.” 

She turned to Winthrop, and seating herself beside his 
desk, asked him to point out what he considered one of 
the most desirable corners in Eagle’s Addition. Usuall}^ 
Winthrop prided himself on hi^ ability to make sales of 
lots, and he was quite willing to sell to anybody rathe/ 


G/^Ay ROCKS, 


197 


than the woman by his side. He had been so hard 
pressed for ready-money during the winter and spring 
that he had shut himself out, so to speak, from all society, 
for the reason that he was destitute of even spending 
money of the most ordinary character. After studying 
some time, he put his pencil reluctantly down on the mnp 
and said : 

‘ ‘ I consider these lots as desirable as any in Eagle’s 
Addition.” 

‘ ‘ And what are you selling them for ?’ ^ 

“ We are asking ^loo a lot,” said he, but we are not 
selling any just now. Miss Bonifield, at all.'' 

She looked at the map a few minutes, and then said, 
“ You think these are about the best lots in the Addition, 
do you ?” 

Winthrop almost inaudibly assented. 

“Well, no — hardly — Miss Bonifield; the fact is,” he 
faltered, “we do not care to make any sales at the present 
time. We are rather expecting some information a little 
later ; we — we expect to hold a Town Com- 
pany meeting, and may conclude to reduce 
the price of lots — and — ’ ' 

“ Or you may raise the prices,” said she, 
looking archly at Homer. “ Is it not so. ’ ’ 

“P — possibly,” replied Winthrop. 

“Well, I wish to purchase four lots on 
the corner you have indicated. Here is the 
money, ’’said she, laying down a roll of bills 
on his desk, “please fix up the deed and 
leave it at the hotel for me as soon as it is convenient.” 

“But — hold on,” said Homer. She had risen and 
started toward the door. ‘ ‘ You do not mean to make a 



198 


GRA Y ROCKS, 


purchase of lots? I really have not advised it; youM 
better reconsider — think it over a few days/’ All of this 
was stammered out by Winthrop in a hurried and con- 
fused manner. 

“ But I have considered,” said Miss Virginia Bonifield, 
smiling in her own imperious way. ” I have fully con- 
sidered, Mr. Winthrop, and desire to make the purchase. 
Good day.” She was gone. 

Donald sat looking over his spectacles, while an aston- 
ished and amused smile played over his ” $10,000 face.” 
Winthrop looked at the roll of bills spread out before him, 
and then turning to Marcus Donald, ejaculated, “Thank 
God, the boom has started !” 


CHAPTER XXIII. ^ 


RUFtJS grim’s ambition. 


FUS GRIM was not pleased 
with Vance’s management of 
the Gold Bluflf Prospector. A 
number of items had appeared 
in the columns of that paper 
which tended to vindicate 
Steve Gibbons from all suspi- 
cion or connection with the 
stage coach robber>\ Grim 
considered this an indirect thrust at himself. His money 
had made him a lion among the people of Gold Bluflf, but 
for some unaccountable reason he was unable to secure 
Vance Gilder’s good opinion. 

He secretly had an ambition to represent the people of 
Idaho in the halls of congress, and felt it w^ould never do • 
to let matters go on with his own town paper prejudiced 
against him. On several occasions he had made over- 
tures to Vance of a friendly nature, but had, invariably, 
been repulsed. On one occasion he had endeavored to 
compliment Vance, and told him patronizingly, in his 
uncouth, pompous way, that he was very glad such a 
scholarly gentleman had charge of the Prospector , and 
that he considered him the most refined and cultured 
gentleman in Gold Bluflf. 



199 


200 


GRA V ROCKS. 




Vance had coldly replied, “It is an admirable thing, 
Mr. Grim, to be a cultured and refined man, but it is far 
better to be a manly man.” Grim had agreed with him, 
while Vance went quietly on setting type. The rich 
miner was irritated at his own lack of words when in 
Vance's society. With others he wds boastful as ever — 
bragged of his gold, and in his own domineering way, 
attempted to subdue everything with which he came in 
contact. Those who knew his home life best said he was 
afraid of his wife. She was all formality, and Grim, in 
his way, honored her, and at the same 
time, feared her. It was whispered 
that he found more pleasure in his step- 
daughter’s society than in his wife’s. 

Bertha, with her handsome face and 
lisping speech, humored her mother’s 
whims of formality, and tickled the 
uncouth vanity of her step-father, on 
whose bounty she was dependent. She 
was an artful, cooing, little woman, 
full of strategy and deceit, and hopelessly untruthful. 
Her clandestine meetings with her cousin, Arthur Boast, 
were numerous, while in her heart she felt an infatuation 
for Vance Gilder, and was secretly intensely jealous of 
Louise Bonifield. . Outwardly, she courted Louise, and 
never missed an opportunity of calling her ‘ ‘ her own dear 
darling,’’ and telling her how very pretty she was. 

In the early days of June Arthur Boast returned per- 
manently to Gold Bluff, and at first paid a great deal of 
attention to Louise, not as a lover, but rather as a friend 
of the family, and by every artifice known to his cunning 
endeavored to enlist her sympathy. He frequently 



Grim. 



GRAY ROCKS, 


201 


observed that no one was his friend, and it pleased him to 
hear Louise say that “she was his friend, and always had 
been.” He said nothing derogatory of Vance's character, 
but his insinuations were of a wicked nature. 

Vance was at a loss to understand why" Boast had left 
Waterville, especially as it was rumored that a great boom 
was going on at that place. 

One day Vance received a note from Arthur Boast ask- 
ing him to call at the hotel that evening. He said he 
was indisposed and could not leave his room, otherwise 
he would call at the printing office. 

It was after eight o’clock when Vance called at the 
hotel, and was at once ushered into J. Arthur Boast’s 
room. He found Boast dressed as elegantly as ever, in 
fact, he was scrupulously attired, and resting on a divan. 
He seemed weak, and was quite pale. He no longer 
spoke in a thin, piping voice, but in a quiet, manly way, 
that at once interested Vance. 

“ I sent for you, Mr. Gilder, because I was lonely and 
wanted to talk with you. I suppose you think I am 
supremely selfish in this, as everything else, but I have 
been almost sick for the last week.” 

“We are admonished to visit the sick,’’ said Vance, 
good-naturedly, “and I am sure it is only natural thrt 
one indispOvSed should like company.” 

“ It is very kind of you to come, I’m sure,’’ Boast went 
on, “I have been worried a good deal about a certain 
misunderstanding that seemingly exists between us.” 

Vance assured him that he knew of no misunder- 
standing. 

“No,” said Boast, “not an open misunderstanding; 
but then I feel that you have misunderstood me from the 


202 


GRA Y ROCKS. 


first, Mr. Gilder, and perhaps, in a measure, I have done 
you the injustice of not always interpreting your acts as 
I should have done. I do not know whether there is any 
philosophy in the circumstances which seem to shape my 
life or not.” 

We are told,” said Vance, ” that in our strength and 
manhood we should shape circumstances rather than let 
circumstances shape us.” 

“That’s it,” said Boast, “ the eternal trying to shape 
circumstances brings on an endless conflict, not only be- 
tween men, but a conflict with one’s own self. I have 
almost made up my mind that it is quite impossible for a 
man to shape his destiny. Now, as a matter of fact, I 
respect you, Mr. Gilder, highly, and have confidence in 
your ability and judgment. I think you are making a 
great success of the Prospector. It is impossible,” he 
went on, “for me to tell you why I have this confidence 
or this respect. I also know that you cordially dislike 
me, but why, I do not know, and perhaps you could not 
tell yourself.” 

Vance was surf)rised at this philosophic turn of mind, 
and began to think he had misunderstood J. Arthur Boast 
all along. 

“I cannot help but feel complimented,” said Vance, 
“ by your kind words. I will admit that I have never 
stopped to analyze my feelings very closely in regard to 
yourself, and will not deny that I have been unable to dis- 
cover any affinity between us. Perhaps I have mi.sjudged 
you. If so, I can do no less than make proper amends.” 

“ You speak as if you would be my friend.” said Boast, 

‘ ‘ friends with me are very scarce. My highest ambition 
has ever been to make friends, and yet it requires no 


GRA y ROCKS, 


203 


words of mine to tell you what a miserable failure I have 
made of it all. I would like to be Rufus Grim’s friend, 
but he w^on’t let me. He does everything he can to influ- 
ence my cousin, Bertha Allen, against me, but in that he 
is making a complete failure. She is my friend,*' said he 
with animation. “ I suppose you know that Mrs. Grim 
is very ill?” 

“No,” said Vance; “ I had not heard of it.” 

“Yes, she has never been very rugged, and I under- 
stand her present illness is of a very serious nature. She 
is so many years older than her pompous lord and master, 
that it would not be surprising to hear of her death at any 
time. Personally, I should regret it, not only on account 
of my aunt, but also on account of Bertha. I dread to 
think wdiat may happen if my aunt should die.” 

“You do not regard her sickness so seriously as that ?” 
asked Vance. 

“She is certainly very ill,” was Boast’s reply. “ I 
would like to go and see her, but I do not presume Rufus 
Grim would let me into the house. But what I desired 
most to say,” continued Boast, brightening up and chang- 
ing the conversation, “ is this : I would like to have you 
be my friend. I wish to be yours.” 

Vance was astonished, and for a moment could not 
reply. Finally he said, “I cannot do less, Mr. Boast, 
than meet you half way in such a laudable ambition, I 
am sure. ’ ’ 

‘ ‘ Ambition, ” repeated Boast, ‘ ‘ what a detestable word ! 

I sometimes think ambition has been the cause of all my 
misfortune. I have wanted wealth all my life, but have 
not succeeded to any great extent. I ought to be in 
Waterville now, selling town lots and lands. There’s 


204 


GRA Y ROCKS. 


great activity down there. I have the ambition but not 
the strength. You may not know it, but my health is 
seriously impaired. I do not seem to have any vitality.*' 

Vance expressed his sympathy, but Boast seemingly 
did not notice his remarks, and said, “ if a man has a 
clearly defined principle of life to follow, why cannot he 
adhere to it ?” 

'‘I think he can,** replied Vance. '‘No life, in my 
judgment, has ever been a success unless a well-defined 
principle of action is first laid out, and then lived 
up to. * * 

“I wish I could believe your philosophy,** said Boast. 
“ The dual nature in me continually divides me. I go to 
sleep at night filled with the most laudable ambitions ; I 
wake up the next morning and pursue an entirely differ- 
ent course, and therein lies the conflict — but I know, Mr. 
Gilder, I am boring you.** 

Vance assured him that he was not, but soon afterward 
took his leave, and as he walked along toward his home, 
he mused thoughtfully over his inter- 
view with J. Arthur Boast. AVhat a 
different light had been thrown on his 
character ! Yes,** said he, “ I will be 
his friend. I have misunderstood 
him.** 

The next morning the town was 
startled by the announcement that 
Mrs. Grim was dead. The church bell 
tolled fifty-six times. Bertha Allen 
was prostrated with grief, while the rich mine owner had 
the entire sympathy of the people of Gold Bluff*. Rufus 
Grim did nothing by halves, and there could not have 



I’U be bis friend.*' 


G/^AV ROCKS. 


205 


been a more splendid show of grief than that for which 
his arrangements provided. 

The works on the Peacock were stopped, and the men, 
on full pay, invited to the funeral. It was an imposing 
affair. The crape o:i Mr. Grim’s hat was of the widest 
pattern, and jet studs took the place of his diamond. His 
black suit fit his plump form well, and he seemed subdued 
with genuine grief. Bertha Allen looked very fair and 
interesting in her costume of black. She clung depen- 
dently to Mr. Grim’s arm during the burial service, and 
looked unusually pretty, notwithstanding the marks of 
grief and weeping upon her handsome face ; indeed, she 
enlisted the sympathy of all who saw her. 

The following day work on the Peacock was started up 
again, and the deep, resounding blasts down below the 
earth’s surface told of more gold flowing towards the 
coffers of Rufus Grim. 

The machinery in Gray Rocks mine had been behaving 
badly. Several big breaks had occurred, and work had 
been delayed at one time for two weeks. The days glided 
by, and October had come again. The rocks high up the 
mountain, overlooking Gold Bluff, reflected the autumn 
sun, while the forests on the mountain side were ablaze 
with fiery autumn tints — nature’s superb clothing. 

Colonel Bonifield had ceased, in part, to be the enthu- 
siast of former days. Perhaps he felt that he had passed 
his word to give up work on Gray Rocks if disappoint- 
ment should again reward his efforts, and possibly it 
saddened him. 

One evening Vance and Iconise had called on Bertha 
Allen. She was beautiful as ever, and lisped in sweet in- 
tonation. Her dress indicated the grief that still rested 


200 


GRA Y ROCKS. 


upon her. That evening, after her callers had taken their 
leave, Rufus Grim joined Bertha in the parlor of his 
luxuriant home. The weeks that had intervened since 
the death of his wife had not made him entirely forget the 
proper melancholy tone which formality, at least, de- 
manded he should exhibit. 

Bertha seemed frightened with some secret fear and 
anxiety. She knew too well that a crisis in her life was 
approaching. Yes, Rufus Grim came to declare himself. 

He w^as confident, as he always was, of the result, 
nevertheless, there was a timidity that prevented him 
from feeling the full assurance that he would have liked. 
He sat down beside her, and after a few common-place 
remarks, he said, in a voice low, yet audible: “Bertha, 
I have something to say to you.*’ 

“Yes, ''she lisped innocently enough, and looked up 
into his face. 

“What I have to say. Grim went on, in a husky 
voice, “cannot be a matter of news to you. You must 
know that I love you ; yes, love you with my whole 
heart.” His hands trembled and his voice was un- 
stead3\ 

“You’ve always been so very kind to me,” lisped 
Bertha, and there was gratitude in her voice. 

“Heaven knows I have tried to be, and that I have 
guarded you with jealous care ever since 3^ou were a little 
girl and came under my protection.” He had taken her 
hands, but they were unresponsive. ‘‘No man,” con- 
tinued Grim, ‘ ‘ could love you more than I have for many 
years. Of course 3' ou knew what my feelings were — you 
must have known, for have I ever failed to satisfy your 
every wish and want?” 


GJ^A V ROCKS. 


207 


“Never,” murmured Bertha, as she leaned her head 
against his breast. 

“Yes, I have protected you,” he went on, as he laid 
one arm about her slender form, “ I have kept you from 
the young scape-grace, 3’our cousin, Arthur Boast. I 



feared he was tring to make love to you, and for that 
reason forbade him the house.” 

“Oh, how could you thinly such a thing?” said she, 
ill her soft, cooing way, yet with a half-indignant intona- 
tion in her voice. 


208 


GRA Y ROCKS, 


“Oh, I am perfectly content now,*' replied Grim, and 
his old, pompous air and manner of speech began to assert 
themselves. ‘ ‘ Of course I could not show you my heart 
in all its tenderness — I was a husband and had to control 
myself — but now, it seems as if all obstacles have been re- 
moved. Do you love me, Bertha ? I have thought many 
times that I could read my answer in your eyes, but I 
long to hear you say so. ’ ' 

“ Yes," whispered Bertha, “ I love you so much." 

In his daily walks, Rufus Grim was an over-bearing, 
selfish man, but now he was softened, and his emotion 
was very great. He looked tenderly and longingly on 
the drooping head beside him, and was for a time com- 
pletely absorbed in the intensity of his love for the artful 
girl at his side. 

Yes, she was fooling him. She was the afl&anced wife 
of J. Arthur Boast, and yet she must play her part. 

‘ ‘ And may I one day call you wife ?’ ' said Rufus Grim, 
pressing her closely to him and kissing her reverently on 
the forehead. “Say in a year from now," he pleaded. 

‘ ‘ Yes, ■' she lisped, gently pressing his hand, “ it shall 
be as you say." As a matter of truth, she was mentally 
speculating how she could get out of this horrible scrape. 
He had said in a year — that was a long time. She would 
have ample opportunity to free herself in some way. 
Arthur must help her. 


CHAPTER XXIV. 


THE GOLDEN MAUSOLEUM. 



GRIM was a happy man. He would 
conceal his joy for one short year, 
and then — and then — . He had at 
last reached the top-most craig of all 
his worldly hopes. Wealth was his, 
and now he had secured the promise 
of Bertha Allen to be his wife. He 
called at his lawyer’s office the next 
day and told him he wished to add a 
codicil to his will. He spoke in his usual loud and confi- 
dent wa}^ and seemed to constantly remember that he was 
not only the richest man in Gold Bluff, but, by big odds, 
the most fortunate. 

The lawyer knew his client. He knew his whims and 
wisely humored his eccentricities. It needed but little 
encouragement and flattery to set Rufus Grim going, re- 
counting the steps he had carved out for himself on life’s 
journey, and the pinnacle to which he had climbed. 

Arthur Boast came in and took a seat in the outer 
room, Grim requested the lawyer to close the door, 
and asked him what he let that young scoundrel come 
about the premises for. Then he seemed to remember 
that he was the victor, and why should he still hold 
malice ? After a little, he again referred to the matter of 
changing his will, and when the lawyer was ready, he 
U 



210 


GI^A y ROCKS. 


dictated a codicil bequeathing all his possessions uncon- 
ditionally to Bertha Allen, to which he attached his signa- 
ture. The lawyer showed no signs of astonishment at 
Rufus Grim’s action, though he guessed the relationship 
that existed between his client and Bertha Allen. 

That evening a clandestine meeting between Bertha 
and her cousin, Arthur Boast, had been arranged. Her 
first words, after the greeting and a 
kiss of welcome, were in regard to the 
ordeal she had passed through with 
Mr. Grim. 

“To think, Arthur,” lisped Bertha, 

‘ ‘ of that old fool asking me to be his 
wife ! Why, I really thought I would 
die, I did indeed !“ 

“And what did you say?” asked 
Boast. 

“Why, you sweet old darling, what could I say but 
give him to understand that perhaps I was willing ? I 
told him to wait a year, and then — . ’ ’ 

“ Yes, and then?” hissed Arthur, through his teeth. 

“Oh, don’t be foolish, my own darling,” said she, 
slipping her arms about his neck, ‘ ‘ you know I was only 
pretending ; you know that I loathe him, but I have been 
dependent on his bounty for so many years. I am only 
too ready, Arthur, to go with you ; yes, to the ends of 
the earth.” She caressed him tenderly, and Arthur’s ill- 
feeling gave way before her tender entreaties. 

He had heard Rufus Grim dictating the codicil to his 
will, and had been fired with a mad jealousy, but she had 
confessed all at their first meeting, and he felt relieved. He 
would not tell her of the codicil to the will ; no, not now. 



The clandestine meeting. 


GJ^A V ROCKS. 


211 


“ We must not delay our marriage much longer,” said 
Bertha, sweetly, “we really must not, Arthur ; you must 
save me from that old bear. Oh, how I hate him !” 

” Did he attempt to caress you ?” asked Arthur. 

“Yes,” replied Bertha, slowly, “but he only kissed 
me once. ’ ’ 

“Only kissed you once!” cried Arthur, and with a 
savage oath he pushed her from him. 

“Arthur, you’ll break my heart,” she cried in stifled 
pain, and creeping closer to him she clasped his arm with 
both her hands. “ He kissed me on my forehead. How 
could I help it ? He is so overbearing and so determined 
— I did not know but he would turn me away from his 
home unless I humored and fooled him. Won’t you for- 
give me ? How could I help it ?’ ’ 

“Yes,” said Arthur, clasping her passionately to his 
breast, “yes. I’ll forgive you; but you must go away 
from Rufus Grim’s house, and I will arrange matters and 
soon we will be married.” 

“ You make me so happy, Arthur ; I could starve, yes, 
starve willingly with you, rather than live with any other 
man on earth.” 

“ I think we had better be married soon,” said Arthur, 
‘ ‘ say in two weeks ?’ ’ 

“Impossible I” lisped Bertha. 

“No, nob impossible,” replied Boast, almost savagely, 
“I say we must be married in two weeks. I will take 
you to my father’s for a little while, after which we will 
commence housekeeping.” 

“Why, Arthur,” protested Bertha, “ you are the most 
unreasonable man living ; you are, indeed. How can I 


212 


c/^Ay 


be married in two weeks ? It’s such a short time since 
mamma died.’’ 

“ It must be as I say,” replied Arthur, determinedly, 
“ it is for your good. You are left alone in the world, 
and, Bertha, I love you with the only love that I have 
ever given to any human being. There, don’t cry ; dry 
your eyes, my darling, and make up 3'Our mind that I 
know what is for your good.” She finally gave in, and 
the compact was sealed with a lover’s kiss and a tender 
embrace. 

The next day was one to be long remembered. Colonel 
Bonifield called ai the Prospector ofl&ce and told Vance 
that, at last, they had reached the 500 foot level. “Yes,” 
said the Colonel, with more enthusiasm than he had ex- 
hibited for some months, “we have cert’nl}” had mo’ 
trouble, suh, in goin’ these last hund’ed feet than all the 
other distance put together, but we have kep’ right along, 
and finally, suh, we are 500 feet below 
the groun’. Of cou’se, there’s a lot of 
work yet to do ; in fact, a pow’ful lot, in 
cross-cuttin' into the vein, but a week’s 
work, with my present fo’ce of men, will 
finish the drift-shaft. It’s a vehy proud 
moment of my life, suh, to tell yo’ that 
afteh all the trials and delays we have 
had, that finally we are down to the 500 
foot level. There’s a little matteh, Mr. 
Gilder, that I want to speak to yo’ about. I’m goin’ to 
be a little short of money. I think, possibly, suh, I have 
enough fo’ about three or fou’ days’ work yet. We have 
about fo’ty men workin’, and I am anxious to keep them 
until we finish cross-cuttin’.” 



loanee at the case. 


GRA y ROCKS. 


213 


Vance was aghast. He knew not what to do, and he 
frankly confessed to the Colonel that the $6,000 which 
he had given him was, practically, every cent he had in 
the world of ready money ; that he had written to Judge 
Patton, who had charge of his estate in New York city, 
and the judge interpreted his father’s will to require his 
residence in New York city in order to enjoy the annuity. 

The Colonel thought a moment, and then said : ^ ‘Don’t 
bother yo’self, Mr. Gilder, it’s a matteh of vehy little im- 
portance, anyway, I assure yo’, suh; I know my men. 
Most of them have been workin’ fo’ me oveh a year, and 
I feel perfectly confident they will stand by me until we 
finish the work, even if I haven’t the ready money with 
which to pay them. They’re a grand lot of fellows, I 
assure yo’ they are, and between yo’ and me, every one of 
them has great confidence in Gray Rocks ; wonde’ful con- 
fidence, yes, suh.” 

The Colonel bade Vance good-day and started for his 
‘mine, and Vance turned to his case with a heavy heart. 

The winter was late in coming ; though it was the first 
of November, yet the air was comparatively mild, and the 
breezes soft, yet invigorating. 

That evening, Rufus Grim walked back and forth on 
his wide porch contemplating his own importance. After 
a little, he walked down through the village and followed 
a by-path along the mountain side, up toward the old 
prospect shaft on the Peacock. The night was still and 
beautiful. The moon was in the last quarter ; but her 
rays were obscured by lazy, drifting clouds, that hung 
idly in the heavens. 

Arriving at the old prospect shaft, he took off his hat, 
and pushed his fat fingers through his heavy hair. He 


214 


GRA V ROCKS, 


even unbuttoned his coat and leaned against the low wall 
about the old shaft. Far below him were the lights of 
Gold Bluff shining from many windows. He looked to- 
ward his home and thought of Bertha. 

“Yes, she loves ine, ’ ’ he mused aloud, ‘ ‘she is a darling 
little angel. I always thought she returned my love, and 
now I know it. What a coy way she has about her ! 
What slender hands ! Gad ; but it was an ordeal, the 
declaring of my love for her, but I fancy no one could 
have done better. No, .sir, Rufus Grim is always equal 
to any occasion. 

‘ ‘ I have made myself what I am. After we are married, 
we will go to New York city and Washington. They will 
say I have the loveliest little wife in America — they can- 
not vSay otherwise. The men will envy me for owning 
such a jewel. How different she is from other women ! 

‘ ‘ Bertha !“ he mused, ‘ ‘ the loveliest name in the world! 
The little minx ! Yes, she suspected that I loved her. 
She refused 'em all for me ; that scoundrel J. Arthur 
Boast, among the rest. He is a clever dog, though, and 
I rather feared him, but now it is all over. 

‘ ‘ I wish my law-suit was settled ; that is the only 
speck on my horizon, but the decision in the courts above, 
I feel sure, will be the same as in the lower courts. Yes, 
I am lucky ; there's none luckier on the whole face of the 
earth. I came into this camp with nothing — now look at 
my possessions." He chuckled to himself, and in an 
absent way kicked his foot against the old wall. 

‘ ‘ Here is the place I made the discovery. I presume I 
ought not to blame the dogs of war for being on my track, 

of course, they want a share of this rich mine, but d 

'em, they can’t have it. No, sir, it belongs to Rufus 


GRA Y ROCKS. 


215 


Grim ! The gold I have will protect the unmined 
millions in the Peacock. Neither court nor jury shall 
stand before my ambition. My first, yes, my abiding 



A dark form crouched near. 


ambition, is for gold, but with it has come a love that 
knows no brooking for Bertha. God bless her ! She is 
so tender and so refined — my cup is full to overflowing. 
‘ ‘ They say I am successful. Whom shall I thank b-t 


210 


GRA y ROCKS, 


myself? No one. I have climbed the rugged and uneven 
path alone, unaided. I have bent men to my way ot 
thinking ; I am greater than all of them ; yes, greater 
than all. I’ll make my marriage a success too, and with 
my gold and my beautiful wife, I will commence living. 
No, I have never lived ; I have merely slaved and existed, 
but now I am getting ready to commence.” 

Thus Rufus Grim fed himself on his own egotism, and 
recounted life’s victories, resulting from his own exer- 
tions. 

A dark form crouched near him, dimly outlined in the 
uncertain light. Presently it crept stealthily up behind 
him. There was a hurried rush, a whistling noise cut 
sharply through the air; a stifled cry, a heavy fall, and 
Rufus Grim’s body plunged forward into the yawning 
mouth of the old prospect shaft, and his life’s work was 
over. 

His anticipated happiness, his pompous joy, his earthly 
prosperity, his vanity and vain-glory, all were over. Had 
he died by any other method, it might have been said 
that it was well that his death occurred before he dis- 
covered that Bertha Allen, to whom he had given all that 
was tender in his coarse and pompous life, had cruelly 
deceived him. 

It mattered not now, the decision of the higher courts 
of earth, but rather the decision of that higher court in 
heaven. A sounding splash from murky waters far below 
resounded back to the outer world like a farewell echo, 
and Rufus Grim’s mangled remains rested near the gold 
he loved so well. Yes, in the vault where his manhood 
had been bartered for gold, he slept. There was gold on 


GRA Y ROCICS. 


217 


every side — gold above him and gold beneath him — a 
priceless mausoleum. 

Yes, at last, all that was mortal of the man of inordi- 
nate worldly ambition and restless energy, reposed in the 
monotonous sleep of unbroken stillness. 


CHAPTER XXV. 


CROSS-CUTTING IN THE MINK. 



fHE next day Rufus Grim was missed 
from the Peacock. His manager could 
not understand it. Never before had 
he absented himself from his office 
without giving the most detailed in- 
structions in regard to work in the 
mine. When the following morning 
came and he was still absent, the man- 
ager’s fears ripened into genuine alarm 
and soon all the people of Gold Bluff were discussing the 
mystery of Rufus Grim’s disappearance. 

A vigorous search was instituted, which resulted a few 
days later in finding his lifeless body at the bottom of the 
old prospect shaft. At the coroner’s inquest it was de- 
cided that he had been murdered, as was evidenced by 
peculiar wounds on the back of his head. 

He was laid to rest by the side of his deceased wife, 
with a demonstration that far excelled any funeral that 
had ever taken place in Gold Bluff. Such a cowardly 
murder excited the sympathy of all who knew him. They 
forgot the pompous, over-bearing owner of the Peacock, 
in listening to the minister’s pious words of commenda- 
tion over the mangled remains of Rufus Grim, the citizen. 

The mystery surrounding his demise appealed to all 
law-abiding citizens to help hunt down the assassin. In 


218 


GRA y ROCKS. 


219 


the feverish excitement it was remembered that Hank 
Casey and Steve Gibbons were sworn enemies of the rich 
mine owner; indeed, the latter had even threatened his 
life in the presence of numerous witnesses. 

The sheriff who had so ignominiously failed in running 
down the stage robbers, took the lead in trying to ferret 
out the murderer and bring him to justice. A few days 
after this, warrants were sworn out for the arrest of Steve 
Gibbons and Hank Casey, charging them with the crime. 
Gibbons was arrested, but Hank Casey could not be 
found. He had disappeared a few days after the murder, 
and no one knew where he had gone. Gibbons main- 
tained a dogged silence and seemed much subdued and 
humiliated that not one of his many supposed friends 
came forward to sign his bond. Handcuffed and accom- 
panied by the sheriff, heavily armed, he appealed in vain 
to many, but without success. Vance made himself quite 
unpopular by offering to sign Steve Gibbons’ bond. The 
people were indignant and said it was carrying his ill- 
feeling toward Rufus Grim entirely too far. As he had 
no property excepting an interest in Gray Rocks mine, 
which was undeveloped, he was considered incompetent 
as a bondsman and promptly rejected. 

One evening Vance worked very late setting type on 
the Prospector. It was past midnight when he went to 
his sleeping room. He was about to retire when he 
heard some one knocking at the printing office door. He 
admitted the visitor and found it to be J. Arthur Boast. 

'‘Good evening, Mr. Gilder,” said he, “I have come 
to see you on a little matter of great importance to myself. ” 

“Come in,’’ said Vance, “I have no light in this 
room; come on into my bedroom,” 


220 


GRA Y ROCKS. 


‘'You will remember a conversation we had/’ said 
Boast, “some time ago at the hotel.” Vance assented 
that he did. “Well, I have come to-night to claim a 
little of the reciprocal friendship which you promised me.” 

“ Circumstances,” said Boast, “indeed, shape the des- 
tiny of man. Of this I am more and more convinced. 
To think of us sitting down together as friends a month 
ago would have been preposterous, and yet I am happy 
to know we meet as such to-night. What impelled me 
to send for you the night you visited me at the hotel, I 
am unable to explain; an impulse that I was not strong 
enough to overcome, compelled me to do it. I feel, Mr. 
Gilder, that I have much to be thankful for in your friend- 
ship, and yet it has all been brought about by a circum- 
stance over which I had no control. It was not the result 
of a premeditated judgment, but the outcome of an im- 
pulse. ’ ’ 

“ I hope,” said Vance, as he reached Boast a cigar and 
lit one himself, ‘ ‘ that you have no regrets in regard to 
our late friendly understanding.” 

“ No, indeed,” replied Boast, “ on the contrary I feel 
that I am one of the most fortunate men living. By the 
way,” he continued, “this is an excellent cigar.” 

“Yes,” replied Vance, “ I received a box from one of 
my New York friends. It is a luxury that I am not able 
to indulge in very freely, unless some old chum happens 
to remember my isolation in these Western mountains and 
takes pity on me.” 

“ Have I told you,” asked Boast, “that I have quit 
drinking? ” 

* No ! ” replied Vance, in some surprise. 

^‘Yes, I have given up red liquor altogether. The 


GRA Y ROCKS. 


221 


habit got a pretty strong hold on me and I was going 
down hill at a very rapid pace; indeed, I had quite given 
up any hope of ever being anything but a hard drinker. 
Scarcely had I reconciled myself to that belief, than a 
whim, a caprice, an impulse, or whatever you may call 
it, took hold of me and said, ‘ No more liquor, J. Arthur 
Boast; not another drop,’ and from that day to this I 
have not tasted the abominable stuff.” Vance assured 
him he was glad to hear of the reformation. 

” I am in love; desperately so,’' said Boast. 

” In love? ” repeated Vance. 

” Yes, I am in love with my cousin, Bertha Allen, and 
she reciprocates my own tender affec- 
tion. On her account, if not for my 
own, I am indeed glad the red liquor 
j craze has been overcome, and that re- 
jij minds me of the object of my visit. 
Bertha is such a stickler on formalities 
and so sensitive that I have had hard 
work to convince her our marriage 
should take place so soon after her 
I am in love. mother’s death. Our arrangements 

were made to be married the day after to-morrow. Her 
step-father’s death, of course, complicated matters a little, 
and she thought we ought to postpone the affair. As 
usual, however, ” continued Boast,” “I have convinced her 
that she is wrong and I am right, and have finally gained 
her consent, on one condition, that you and Miss Louise 
will favor us with your presence and act as groomsman 
and bridesmaid.” 

Vance was non-plussed at Boast’s remarks, and for a 
tnoment did not know what to say. 



222 


G/^A V ROCKS. 


“ It will l)e a very quiet affair/' continued Boast, “im- 
mediate relatives and all that — she has none, and neither 
have I, save my father and mother. Wc are to be mar- 
ried at my father’s. There’s no one Bertha thinks so 
much of as Louise. They have been chums for many 
years, and since you profess friendship for me, I feel sure 
you’ll not refuse my request." 

Vance promised to consider the matter and let him 
know the next day, after consulting Louise. 

“ Very well,” said Boast, “ I will call to-morrow. It’s 
really to:) bad,” he went on, “ that a weak little woman 
like Bertha should have had so much suffering during 
the last few months. Actuated by sympathy as well as 
love, I feel it my duty to set formalities aside, marry her, 
and thus insure to myself the privilege of protecting and 
caring for her as she deserves.” 

‘ ‘Yes, ’ ’ said Vance, ‘ ‘she has had a great deal to endure. 
By the way, Mr. Boast, do you believe Steve Gibbons 
guilty of Mr. Grim’s murder?” 

Boast relit his cigar before answering. “ Mr. Gilder,” 
said he, after deliberating, “ I hope Mr. Gibbons is 
innocent. I have tried to look calmly at his case, 
shrouded in mystery as it is. I have tried to blunt my 
ears to whisperings and prejudices and not jump with the 
multitude toward a hasty conclusion Of course, the cir- 
cumstantial evidence against Mr. Gibbons is rather dam- 
Casey’s disappearance and Gibbon’s contin- 
ued silence as to his whereabouts, makes it look still 
worse. The probabilities are that nine out of ten of the 
people of Gold Bluff believe him to be guilty. They 
have built up a wall of circumstantial evidence that seems 
to be impregnable, and unless the public pulse is permit- 


G/^A V ROCKS. 


223 


cod to cool before his trial comes off, they very likely will 
convict him, To me, mercy seems much more preferable 
than a hasty judgment. Well, good-niglit, Mr. Gilder. 
I am sorry to have been compelled to call on you at such 
a late hour, but you know,” said he, with a jocular laugh, 
“it is an urgent case, and when you are as near to your 
nuptials as I am. I’ll forgive you if you should rout me 
out of bed at all hours of the night.” 

“ A strange man!” said Vance to himself when Boast 
was gone, “he talks like a philosopher. His judgment 
is seasoned with mercy. How could I have misunder- 
stood him as I did? It’s rather odd that he and Bertha 
Allen are to be married. I know Louise will be sur- 
prised. After all, it’s best that he should marry Miss 
Allen, and the very fact that he makes her his wife at 
this time when she is left completely alone, really enno- 
bles the fellow to me. “ 

The following day a favorable answer was given to 
Boast, and the marriage took place the next evening. It 
was indeed a quiet affair. Whether Colonel Boast and 
his wife approved of their only son marrying his cousin 
or not, Vance was unable to satisfactorily decide in his 
own mind; but he and Louise both acknowledged that 
they felt freed from an indescribable restraint after taking 
their departure. 

Almost simultaneously with the announcement of J. 
Arthur Boast’s marriage was the discovery that Bertha 
Allen was the heiress of all the vast possessions of the 
murdered mine owner. Rufus Grim s attorney became 
Arthur Boast’s trusted adviser. Work in the great Pea- 
cock mine continued, and within a week J. Arthur Boast 
was in control of affairs; indeed, he seenied a changed 


224 


GA^A V ROCKS. 


man. His responsibilities seemed to subdue without 
irritating him. The people were quick to discover new 
elements of strength in the controller of the Peacock, and 
vied with each other in giving him encouragement. 

Work on Gray Rocks had not been progressing so 
smoothly. Old Colonel Bonifield, fired with the enthusi- 
asm of a Ponce de Teon, believed the forty odd men 
employed in cross-cutting the drift shaft from the 500 foot 
level would remain with him, although his finances were 
exhausted. 

It was on Saturday night that he called his men about 
him and explained his temporary embarrassments. He 
paid them off in full, and assured them that three or four 
more days’ work with their united assistance, was all that 
was necessary to reach the gold he had 
been looking for so many weary years, 
and expressed confidence, in his chival- 
rous way, that all his employes would 
report the next Monday morning for 
work, and stay with him until the drift 
was finished. The following Monday 
morning, however, found but a half dozen 
men reporting for work, much to Colonel 
Bonifield’ s surprise and disappointment. 

The old Colonel went into the mine 
with his faithful adherents, and encouraged them by his 
undaunted energy. What could have been accomplished 
by forty men in the space of three days, would require 
fifteen or twenty days with his half dozen assistants. 
They lessened the size of the drift -shaft, however, and 
this would make quite a saving of time. Throughout 
the week, the Colonel, with his handful of assistants, 



GA\4 y ROCKS. 


225 


labored incessantly. When the next Monday morning 
came around, he found that only three reported for duty. 
This was indeed discouraging, but with a determination 
that knew no brooking, he went on. 

Two days later, his three assistants advised him that 
their families were in want of the necessities of life, and 
while they still had unbounded faith in Gray Rocks, yet 
they owed a duty to their families first and before all else, 
and could not remain with him any longer. 

After this, the engineer and fireman took turns in help- 
ing the Colonel. One man remaining in the engine room 
performed the work of both. After a couple of days of 
monotonous drilling and blasting, the Colonel one even- 
ing told Touise of his great discouragement. 

“ My deah daughter,” said the Colonel, “they have all 
dese’ted me; I am left alone to finish the work in the 
mine as best I can. It’s pow’ful humiliatin’ to be dese’ted 
just when I am reachin’ fo’ the last round in the laddeh.” 

Louise had slipped her drms around his neck while he 
was speaking. 

“My dear father,” she said, “why not go to Mr. 
Gilder; he has been so true to you, and I am sure, now 
that you are so near finishing your work, he will give 
you what assistance is needed. ’ ’ 

The old man stroked his daughter’s hair affectionately. 
“Yes, suh, yo’ are right; he would help me if he could. 
No one seems to undehstand me, Louise, my deah child, 
except n’ yo self and Mr. Gilder. I may as well tell yo’ 
that I called on Mr. Gilder sev’al days ago fo^ a little mo’ 
money, and he told me the $6,000 which he had given us 
was practically every dollar he had in the world. It made 
my old heart bleed to see the pained expression on the 


15 


226 


GRA Y ROCKS. 


noble young fellow’s face — pained because he couldn’t 
help me mo’. I explained to him that it made no 
diffence; that my men — the rascals who have so shame- 
fully dese’ted me — had confidence in Gray Rocks, and 
that they would stand by me fo’ a few days longeh.” 

The Colonel walked back and forth in an agitated way, 
and held his head between his hands. ‘‘ My God, it will 
drive me crazy,"’ he exclaimed, *‘if the work is not 
finished.” Louise was startled at his manner. She 
noticed that he appeared older than ever before, and con- 
demned herself for not giving him more encouragement 
and help. 

‘‘ Father, how can I help you?” she asked, imploringly. 

” There is no way, my precious little child; come here 
to me. ” He seated himself and she nestled on his lap. 

” To-morrow morning, father,” said she, ” now listen, 
for I am going to have my way — to-morrow morning I 
am going with you down to the 500 foot level and help 
you with the work. I’m not afraid, and I’m very 
strong, too.” 

‘‘AVhy, what would Mr. Gilder say if he knew my 
little girl was down in a mine workin’?” said the Colonel, 
half amused at her earnestness, while he pressed her close 
and closer to him. 

“Mr. Gilder?” repeated Louise, looking dreamily into 
the bed of red coals in the open grate, “we won’t tell him. 
How heroic it was of him to give you every dollar he had 
in the world! Tell me, father, do you think any one else 
would have done so much?” 

“No, suh,” replied the Colonel, “ there"s betteh 
blood cou’sin’ through his veins than any man I eveh 
saw. To be sure, he’s a nawth’n man — that is, he was 


GRA Y ROCKS. 


227 


bawn in the nawth; but even the old state of Virginia 
neveh produced a manlier man.” 

True to her promise, the next morning found Louise 
with her father in the drift shaft, 500 feet under ground. 
They had carried with them a well-filled lunch basket, 
and worked with a determination born of despair. Holes 
were drilled deep in the solid rock and filled with giant 
powder, then after lighting the fuse, they would retreat 
until the blast resounded in hollow mockery through the 
caverns of the earth. No sooner would the smoke clear 
away than they would drill again. 

While Louise was drilling and putting forth all her 
strength in work that would have tried the courage of the 
hardiest miner, her father would take turns with her, and 
again he would measure the distance from the shaft to 
see how much farther they had to drift. 

It was late in the evening, and they had been working 
on some time in silence, when the Colonel, after making a 
last measurement, shouted out in the stillness, “Well 
finish it to-night! Bring the powdeh, while I drill!” and 
presently another blast resounded like a death knell to 
hope, tearing away great sections of the adamantine rock. 
On, on they worked — drilling and blasting. 

Louise had become well-nigh exhausted, and rested for 
a moment, when the Colonel shouted: “ Drill on! Drill 
on! There’s no time to lose!” 

“ But, father,” cried Louise, “ the powder is all gone. 
Shall we not send the engineer for more? There’s hardly 
enough for more than another blast.” 

“No!” yelled the Coloneb almost like a maniac in 
vehemence, “ I have no money fo’ mo’ powdeh. Let us 


GI?A Y ROCKS. 


22 S 

use what we have. Scrape the cans and put it all in one 
great blast. I will drill.” 

Louise was frightened. She feared her father was 
losing his mind. It might be, after all, that instead of 



IVbere is the powdeb? 


benefitting him by her constant encouragement and belief 
in Gray Rocks, she had but added to his vain hallucina- 
tion, and t!ie shock of another failure might dethrone h‘s 
reason. Vriiile she was thinking, she indUvStriousb' 
applied herself to gathering from the different cans that 


GI^AV ROCfCS. 


229 


had contained the giant po^ der all that was left into one. 
Yes, there was enough for one more blast, but not enough 
for two. 

“AVhere is the powdeh?' ’ cried the Colonel. She looked 
at her father, whose face was almost as white as the dis- 
heveled hair of his uncovered head. He had thrown 
aside his hat and coat, and was wrought up to the highest 
pitch of excitement. 

'‘A moment, father,” said Louise, laying her hand on 
his arm. 

‘‘Let me alone, I have no time to wait,” he said. 

“But listen, father, won’t you? Listen to me just a 
moment.” 

“Well, what is it?” said he, impatiently, wiping the 
perspiration from his brow. 

“ For thirteen years, father, you’ve been striving and 
striving to find gold in Gray Rocks; what if you are no 
nearer now than you were thirteen years ago ? Will you 
be so terriby disappointed, father? Come, tell me you 
will not.” She had her arms about his neck and was 
looking pleadingly up into his face. He pushed her from 
him. 

“ Yo’ talk as if yo’ doubted,” said he. “ I’m thirteen 
years nearer success to-night than the day I commenced. 
It’s vehy humiliatin’ to me' to think that yo’, Louise, 
should doubt yo’r old father’s judgment. Have yo’ for- 
gotten that my blood cou’ses in 3^0’r veins? Are yo’, too, 
turnin’ against me at the vehy last? ” 

“Oh, father,” cried Louise, as she clung to him and 
buried her head on his breast, sobbing wildly, “ don’t 
speak to me so harshly! It will kill me! Have I not,” 
said vshe, between her sobs, “ stood by you and believed 


230 


GRA y ROCKS. 


with you, though all others, unless it was Mr. Gilder, 
turned against you ? I believe now that you are right, 
father, but it may be deeper down, and I was only trying 
to make the disappointment less hard in case disappoint- 
ment should again be the result of our efforts.” 

“There, there, little girl,” said the Colonel, stroking 
her head affectionately, “ I do forgive yo’, and yo' must 
forgive yo’r old, excitable father. Let us put in the 
powdeh ; let us make the last blast, and let its resoundin’ 
peals tell the whole world that we’ve done our best ! ” 

“Yes, father; that we have indeed done our utmost; 
and after this blast we will go home and still have faith 
in Gray Rocks, though the whole world disbelieves.” 

“We have plenty of powdeh here,” said the old 
Colonel, picking up the can, “ to tear ten tons of rock 
into shreds.” 

The fuse was lighted and they retired for protection 
until the powder should ignite. • Presently there was a 
deafening roar, as if the mountains were being split 
asunder. The Colonel grasped his daughter’s hand with 
such a vise-like grip that it almost made her cry out with 
pain 

“ The last blast! ” shouted the old Colonel, when the 
reverberations had ceased, ‘ ‘ the smoke will soon clear 
away, and then we shall see, yes, suh, we shall seel ” 


CHAPTER XXVI. 


A STARTLING EDITORIAL. 

ANCE knew nothing of Colonel Boni- 
field’s discouraging labors in the mine. 
Indeed, he had been so busy with other 
matters that he had not found time to 
call on the Bonifield’s for over a week 
— a very unusual occurrence. 

A few days prior to Louise’s experi- 
ence in her father’s mine, Vance had 
been routed up by some one knocking 
on his window in the middle of the night. It proved to 
be none other than the missing Hank Casey, accompanied 
by Marcus Donald of Waterville. A consultation that 
lasted several hours followed. An understanding was 
finally reached, and it was agreed that Hank Casey 
should remain concealed during the daytime in Vance’s 
room, and await developments. 

“ I may be laying myself liable to the law,” said Vance, 
laughingly, “in concealing a man for whom a warrant 
has been issued, but, nevertheless, I believe what you tell 
me, and on our mutual friend, Marcus Donald’s advice, I 
shall act my part unflinchingly.*" 

“Of course,” said Marcus Donald, “it’s none of my 
affairs in one sense of the word, but when Mr. Casey 
came to Waterville, having walked all the way from Gold 
Bluff by a circuitous route, in order to avoid meeting any 



231 


232 


G/^A y ROCKS. 


one, and told me that Mr. Gibbons was about to be un- 
justly arrested for murder, I at once became interested, 
especially with Mr. Casey’s knowledge of the affair.” 

“ Ye see, pardner, ” said Hank Casey, addressing Vance, 
“ I ’lowed things was goin’ to be pipin’ hot in these ’ere 
diggin’s, fer I heered a rumour that Steve an’ I was both 
to be arrested. I knowed ’t’wan’t no use fer both of us 
to lay ’round here till our hands an’ feet were tied, so, sez 
I to Steve Gibbons, sez I, ’Steve, you make your perch 
here in Gold Bluff, an’ don’t you run nary an inch, and 
I’ll scoot out an’ try an’ scare up some help an’ turn the 
tables on these ’ere chaps. Of course, nuther of us 
liked Rufus Grim any too well ; that is, we had no 
hankerin’ love for him ; but I low we re not quite low 
enough down to commence murderin’ people, even if the}^ 
did cheat us out of a rich mine like the Peacock. This 
game ain’t out yet,” he went on, “ the higher courts may 
reverse the decision of the court below, and in that event 
Steve an’ I will yet have justice, though it s been dangna- 
tion slow ’bout cornin’.” 

“I am greatly astonished,” said Vance, “at your 
revelation. It is entirely contrary to my theory of the 
case. I am beginning to feel, however, that my judgment 
amounts to but very little in this western country, though 
I must say I have received great encouragement from your 
words, Mr. Donald, in regard to Waterville property. I 
will throw a bomb into the enemy’s camp by writing an 
editorial for the Prospector that will touch a tender place, 
if Mr. Casey is correct in his statement.” 

It so happened that on the very day that Rouise and 
her father were working in the mine, the Prospector was 
issued, and contained the following editorial : 


233 


GI^A V ROCKS. 

THE RUFUS GRIM MURDER. 

The history of Rufus Grim’s demise, though still shrouded in 
mystery, will doubtless, when the facts are known, startle the 
people of Gold Bluff even more than the murder itself. It is true 
that Steve Gibbons is accused and languishes in the county jail, 
and that a warrant is out for the arrest of his old associate. Hank 
Casey. In the excitement of the hour, our people may have in- 
terpreted circumstantial evidence as proof of guilt. As a matter 
of fact, not one jot or tittle of damaging evidence, in the Pros- 
judgment, can be produced against these men 

The idea of suicide has been effectually set aside by the find- 
ings at the coroner’s inquest. No one doubts that it was a cold- 
blooded, cowardly murder. We believe the murderer is in Gold 
Bluff to-day, and like the wolf of old, is clad in sheep’s raiment. 

Our people should understand the difference between circum- 
stantial and real evidence. It is probably true that both Steve 
Gibbons and Hank Casey were on anything but friendly terms 
with Rufus Grim, but they were not his only enemies ; indeed, 
there is one in Gold Bluff who was secretly, if not openly, a much 
greater enemy to the rich mine owner than either of the suspected 
parties. 

It is time that prejudice gave way to reason, and that others, 
who profited much more by Rufus Grim’s removal, should not 
only be suspected, but subjected to the crucial test of a thorough 
investigation. 

This article set the people of Gold Bluff agog. The 
entire camp, from center to circumference, seemed startled 
by the boldness of Vance Gilder’s double-leaded editorial. 
When J. Arthur Boast read the article^ he was dazed by 
its audacity. He sent for his attorney, and throughout 
the afternoon a consultation that lasted far into the night 
was held. 

Work on the Peacock was shut down the following 


234 


GRA y kOCKS. 


morning at Boast’s request, and the men assembled at the 
company’s office. Boast, addressing the miners, said : 

“ You, doubtless, have read the editorial in yesterday’s 
Prospector, written by a stranger and interloper in our 
midst, Mr. Vance Gilder, who foully accuses me of mur- 
dering Rufus Grim. I am now going down to the office 
of the Prospector, and shall demand an amende honorable. 
So many of you as see fit may accompany me. ’ ’ 

“Ay, ay!” the crowd shouted, “we are ready!” 
Indeed, the citizens of Gold Bluff almost to a man, sided 
with Boast, and said Vance was showing a cowardly 
venom at J. Arthur Boast's unexpected success and good 
fortune, that was neither dignified nor 
just. Boast led the way to the Pros- 
pector office, and was followed by a 
throng of determined miners and angry 
citizens, who were in a frame of mind 
that boded no good for Vance Gilder. 

Louise Bonifield had just come over 
to the Prospector office with a message 
from her father, and met Arthur Boast 
at the office door. Louise tripped 
lightly into the office and saluted Vance with a cheery 
smile and good morning, while Boast paused in the door- 
way. 

“Good morning, Mr. Gilder,” said he, savagely. 

“ Good morning,” replied Vance. 

“Who wrote this editorial?” asked Boast, striking 
vigorously a copy of the Prospector which he held in his 
hand. ‘ ‘ I tell you, ” continued Boast, ‘ ‘ I never murdered 
Rufus Grim, and any man that says I did is a liar, abase 
scoundrel, and a contemptible whelp !” 



GRA y ROCKS, 


235 


'‘That’s right ! Ay, ay !” exclaimed the mob that was 
sitanding behind Boast, ready at a moment’s notice to loot 
the printing office. 

Vance was cool and collected. He noticed that Boast 
spoke in his old-time thin, piping voice, and his eyes were 
restless and glittered like a fiend’s. The element of man- 
hood and of the philosopher had wholly disappeared. 

Louise stepped quickly forward before Vance could 
make a reply, and laying her hand on Boast’s arm, said : 
‘ ‘ Arthur, you know I have always been your friend. I 
am sure Mr. Gilder has never accused you of murdering 
Mr. Grim. What do you mean ?” 

‘ ' But he has accused me, ” retorted Boast. ‘ ‘ Read this !” 

Vance stepped hurriedly from behind the case, and 
drawing Louise gently back, stood face to face with 
Arthur Boast. He was calm and determined. "Where,” 
said he, ‘ ‘ where have I accused you of murdering Rufus 
Grim ? Point out the sentence in the article where your 
name even appears ?’ 

" Well, you haven’t used my name, but you might as 
well have done so ” 

" No,” said Vance, as his eyes gleamed with fiercest 
itidignation and anger, " I have not accused you, Arthur 
Boast, but you, by this act, with your mob of hirelings 
behind you, have accused yourself. Now you must, and 
by the eternals, shall answer to the law. A guilty con- 
science,"' he continued, "needs no accuser, and it is your 
accusing conscience that has prompted you to come here 
and publicly charge yourself with the crime. Neither 
you, nor your host of admirers on full pay, can intimidate 
me. If you can pass through the test of a thorough in- 
vestigation, and can be proved innocent, then I will have 


23G 


GRA Y ROCKS, 


no more to say, but until you do this, I shall publicly 
accuse you and denounce you as the murderer of Rufus 
Grim 

Vance towered up like a giant before the writhing and 
shriveling form of J. Arthur Boast. 



“ Well, I don't know that you have accused me in this 
editorial, ” whined Boast, “and I don’t know as I need 
to take any steps of revenge until you dare to use my 
name in your paper. I guess I’ll wait and see what my 


GJ?A y ROCKS. 


237 


lawyer advises. Fall back, boys, I have nothing further 
to say at this interview.” 

“ But I have,” said Vance, in thundering tones, ” and 
before long I shall have much to say.” 

‘ ‘ Well, you won’t say it through the columns of the 
Gold Bluff Prospector. It is my property ; I have the 
bill of sale in my pocket.” 

“Yes,” said Vance, ‘‘yours is the weapon of a coward; 
the unholy use of the power of money, but your plan of 
securing possession of the Prospector has no terrors for me. 
The copy of the Prospector that you hold in your hand 
contains the last editorial I ever expect to write for the 
paper. It may please you to know that my last dollar is 
gone ; I am penniless, and without interference from you 
the Prospector has been issued for the last time under my 
management. I have been typo, managing editor, devil, 
form setter, city editor, publisher and everything else, 
trying hard to make an honest living. I am now through. 
You and your host of satellites will oblige me by leaving 
the premises. Come to-morrow morning and take pos- 
session. You’ll not find me in the way.” 

Boast turned, and facing his mob of backers said, with 
the forced laugh of a whipped man : 

‘‘ I thought I would squelch him, boys ; he had to cave 
in, you bet.” His voice was shrill and squeaky, and his 
braggadocio air, as he led his admirers away, hid but • 
poorly his nervousness and agitation. 

Vance and Louise were alone. Louise had stood by 
during the interview, startled and alarmed. She mar- 
velled at Vance’s strength ; at his grandeur ; at his noble- 
ness ; and when she heard him say that now he was 
penniless, she remembered the sacrifices he had made to 


238 


GRA Y ROCKS. 


help her father. He turned toward her and their eyes 
met. It came to her like an inspiration, that her respect 
and admiration for him in times past had been but a pre- 
lude to the pulsing love she now felt for him. She reached 
out both her hands toward him ; he took them, and a 
moment later she was sobbing on his breast. No word 
had been spoken, but volumes had been interchanged in 
that one look. 

The doorway was darkened. They quickly looked up, 
Louise through her tears, and Vance with a beaming 
countenance. Colonel Bonifield was surveying the situa- 
tion with a look of genuine surprise on his face. 

Yo’ almost pa’lyze me, suh,” said the Colonel, “ in- 
deed yo’ do. Why, Mr. Gilder, I sent my little girl oveh 
here to tell yo' that I had a matteh of vehy great impo’- 
tance to talk oveh with yo’, but she was gone so long, 
suh, that I became impatient and came oveh myself.” 

“Oh, papa,” said Louise, “Mr. Gilder and Arthur 
have had a terrible quarrel !” 

“ A quarrel, suh ; why, how is that?” 

“I am always ready to talk with you. Colonel,” said 
Vance, in a confused way, and unconsciously retaining 
one of Louise’s hands. 

“ Well, now, if my little girl,” said the Colonel “ God 
bless her ! will go oveh home and see about preparin’ 
dinneh and lay an extra plate fo’ yo’ , we’ll have our talk 
and come oveh a little lateh.” 

While no word had been spoken between Vance and 
Louise, yet he believed that his great love had been under- 
stood and rewarded. He lifted her hand to his lips as she 
started to go, with that chivalrous respect so becoming in 
the knights of old. When she was gone, Vance turned 


GJ^AV ROCKS. 


239 


and thought he saw a smile chasing rapidly over the 
Colonels face. 

“ Wait a moment, Colonel,” said Vance, “ I have some 
choice cigars that were sent me from New York. Here, 
try this one. ’ ’ 

“ Thank yo’,” said the Colonel, I neveh felt mo' like 
smokin’ in my life than I do this mawnin'.” As they lit 
their cigars, they walked out in front of the printing office. 
The morning sun mellowed the crisp and invigorating 
mountain air. Vance narrated his interview with Boast. 
The Colonel’s face clouded with a troubled expression. 
Presently he said : 

‘ ‘ Mr. Gilder, we have at last finished our work on 
Gray Rocks.” 

” I am very glad,” was Vance’s reply. 

” Yo’ fo’ced me, suh, at one time,” said the Colonel, 
” to make a promise. When I pledge my word of honor, 
suh, as I did to yo’, it is sacred. Heretofore yo’ most 
naturally, Mr. Gilder, have asked me what I advised. I 
now come to yo’ and ask, what do yo’ advise ?” 

” Colonel Bonifield,” said Vance, ” I am glad you ask 
me what I advise. You know. Colonel, when you first 
came to New York city, you thought that if you could 
only get to the 300 footl evel you would cross-cut into a 
mine of untold wealth.” 

“Yes, suh,” replied the Colonel, “that is so, and yo’ 
freely gave me the money to push the work.” 

“Yes,” said Vance, and unconsciously with the toe 
of his boot he dug in the sand as if he was seeking 
the 300 foot level, “at the 300 foot level your efforts 
were not rewarded. Then you started for the 400 foot 
level.” 


240 


GRA V ROCKS. 


“Yes, suh,’' said the Colonel, “and again you gave 
me the money.” 

“Yes, yes,” said Vance, as the toe of his boot dug still 
deeper in the sand, “ but again you failed. Then I gave 
you the last dollar of ready money I had in the world to 
sink the shaft on down to the 500 foot level . ’ ’ 

“Vehy true,” said the Colonel, “and would have 
given me mo’ if yo’ had had it.” 

“ Most assuredly,” said Vance, as his boot struck the 
rock that lay beneath the sand. “ Yes,” said he, plant- 
ing his heel firmly on the rock, “you 
have at last reached the 500 foot level. 
Heretofore, I have listened to your advice, 
and now I hope you will be guided by 
mine. I have been away from New York 
over two years. I have not left Gold 
Bluff for more than a year. I have re- 
mained close to Gray Rocks, alternately 
hoping and doubting that you would be 

The Colonel talks, successful . Colouel Boiiifield, I have no 
regrets. You have been earnest and sincere, though 
sadly mistaken, in regard to this mining venture.” 

“Well, well, suh,” said the Colonel, as he waited for 
Vance to go on. 

“I have something to say to you. Colonel — I love your 
daughter with my whole heart, and more devotedly, it 
seems to me, than ever man loved woman before. I have 
a beautiful home in New York city, with ample means to 
care for her and you. My advice is that you and your 
lovely daughter, with those dependent upon you, come 
with me and we will leave these western wilds, so associ- 



GRA Y ROCKS. 


241 


ated with disappointment, and go to my city home. This 
morning, for the first time, I have had reason to believe 
that your daughter reciprocated the great love I bear her. 
You are now an old man. Colonel, and while I have not 
a doubt in the world that if you would sink your shaft to 
the 600 foot level, say, or, perhaps to the 700 foot level, 
you would strike the vein of gold you have been looking 
for so many years ; yet, what is the use, Colonel Boni- 
field, what is the use ? My love for your daughter is very 
great, and I believe it is unselfish. A home of plenty 
awaits us. Hardships and disappointment alone have 
been the reward of our earnest efforts. Why not go away 
from it all? Yes, let us go and forget the trials, hard- 
ships, and hopes deferred of a frontiersman’s life, and let 
me help you spend the remaining years of your life in 
quiet, peace, and contentment."" 

Yo’ do me honor, suh,” replied the Colonel, as he 
brushed a mist from his eyes, ‘ ‘ bawn in the nawth, yet 
yo’ possess the true chivalry of a southern gentleman. 
Yes, suh, yo’ do, indeed. It is true we sunk the shaft 
to the 300 foot level, and finally, to the 500 foot level, 
and you, suh, have fu’nished the money fo’ this great 
work. I thought my men would stay with me and help 
cross-cut into the vein, but I found, when I spoke to them 
about the matteh, that they only had confidence in Gray 
Rocks so long as there was money in my purse to pay 
their wages every Saturday night. When they dese’ted 
me, suh, I worked away alone, and finally that little girl, 
Louise, went down with me yeste’day early in the 
mawnin’, and we didn’t get home until after nine o’clock 
last night,” 


242 


GJ^A V ROCKS. 


What !’* said Vance, “ Louise been working down in 
the mine ?” 

“Yes, suh, the hardest day’s work I eveh put in on 
Gray Rocks was yeste’day.’’ 

“Why did you not let me know?” asked Vance, “ I 
would have come and helped you most cheerfully, rather 
than have let her do the work of a man, and 500 feet 
under ground at that.” 

“Well, hold on, Mr. Gilder, let me tell yo\ We had 
a goodly portion of giant powder yeste’day mawnin’, and 
yo’ve no idea how much assistance Louise gave me. I 
took the measu’ments a dozen times, suh, durin’ the day, 
and it seemed to me that by workin’ a little late, we 
might finally blast through into the vein.” 

“Yes, Colonel, ‘where the vein might have been,’ ” 
said Vance, with a merry twinkle in his eye, while he 
struck his heel in an absent way against the rock. The 
Colonel paid no attention to the interruption. 

“ Finally, suh, we made our last drill, and filled it up 
with every grain of powdeh we had left. My little Louise 
had to dust every powdeh can in ordeh to have enough to 
make the last blast. We retired, suh, as usual, afteh I 
had lit the fuse, and yo’ ought to have heard that last 
blast go off ! My daughter, suh, God bless her, tried to 
dull the disappointment that she felt sure was awaitin’ 
our effo’ts by gettin’ me to promise not to be too much 
disappointed; but I had confidence; yes, suh, right up to 
the last. Well, suh, the smoke finally cleared away, and 
my God! suh, my old eyes wept for joy!” 

“What!” exclaimed Vance. 

“Look at this piece of ore, Mr. Gilder; richer, yes, 
3uhj richer than anything ever discovered in the Peacock, 


a^A V j^ocA^s 


m 


Yes, suh, my deah Gilder, we have made our last blast, 
and Gray Rocks is worth two million dollars. The agent 
of a rich minin’ corporatipn of Butte City made me an 
offer of that sum this mawnin’ ’ ’ 


CHAPTER XXVIl. 


AT I. AST! 

EFFECT on the people of a mining 
camp of one of those fabulously rich 
“strikes^' like Gray Recks mine 
proved to be, may be imagined but 
cannot be described in words. Shop- 
keeper, citizen and miner alike, go wild 
with enthusiasm over so important 
a discovery. Congratulations were 
showered upon Colonel Bonifield and Vance from every 
quarter. Everyone in Gold Bluff felt it his privilege to 
call at Colonel Bonifield ’s home and pay his respects to 
one who had lived so long in their midst, and who had so 
persistently and so patiently maintained unbounded con- 
fidence in a proposition that was looked upon by others 
as a money-losing venture. 

Independent of the fortune left him by his father, 
Vance was now a millionaire. In his prosperity he did 
not forget his old friends. He called on the sheriff and 
again offered himself as bondsman for Steve Gibbons. 
The bond was accepted, and a half hour later. Gibbons 
was released. Hank Casey surrendered himself, and was 
also immediately bailed out of custody. 

One evening the stage coach brought to Gold Bluff 
Homer Winthrop and his young bride, nee Virgie Boni- 
field. It was a great surprise to the Bonifield household. 



244 


GRA Y ROCKS, 


245 


“And this accounts,” said Vance to Homer, after he 
had congratulated him, “ this accounts for Marcus Donald 
hastening away from Gold Bluff. ’ 

“Yes,” said Homer, “ I could not think of having the 
ceremony take place without my old friend and associate, 
Marcus Donald, being present. We have traveled 
together so long, in adversity as well as in prosperity, that 
we are quite inseparable.” 

“He is a great character,’' replied Vance, “his dis- 
interested assistance and help I have recently seen demon- 
strated in a marked degree. ’ ’ 

“ He is one of the ‘salt of the earth,’” replied Win- 
throp, enthusiastically, “he is not only a sunny day 
friend, but one in the hour of need — indeed, he is a man 
among men. By the way,” he continued, “I want to 
congratulate you with all my heart on the great Gray 
Rocks strike.” 

“Thank you,” replied Vance, “the prosperity could 
never have come at a more opportune time. My finances 
was reduced to the last dollar when Colonel Bonifield 
broke the news to me. ’ ’ 

“I received 3^our letter, written some ten days ago,” 
said Winthrop, ‘"and have sold those twenty-five lots 
your New York friends purchased.” 

“Thank God for that! ” ejaculated Vance. 

“Yes, I sold them for $800 apiece, or $20,000. As 
they only paid $2,500 for them, I hardly think they can 
complain at the profits. Oh, you have no idea what a 
city Waterville has become. The great waterpower has 
been effectually harnessed, the streets are paved; electric 
car lines, plaining mills, and scores of other manufactur- 
ing concerns are in full operation. Our population is now 


246 


GRA Y ROCKS. 


numbered by thousands, instead of hundreds, while busy 
activity and prosperity are apparent on every hand.*^ 

“You quite astonish me, old fellow,’' replied Vance, 
“ indeed you do; but I needed no greater proof of Water- 
ville’s prosperity than your report of the sale of lots be- 
longing to my New York friends. Once, old fellow, I 
gave you my promise to wait five years before passing 
judgment on your enterprise. Hardly half that time has 
elasped, yet it gives me pleasure to assure you that I am 
already better satisfied with Waterville than I ever dared 
hope for.” 

“ Thank you, ’ said Homer, “your ‘Two Honorable 
Exceptions ’ article in the New York Bamier was indeed 
prophetic. ’ * 

“Yes,” said Vance, “while the prophecies of Col. 
Alexander, B. Webster Legal, Gen. Ira House, and other 
members of yonr Waterville Town Company, have been 
more than realized. ” 

“ My associates," said Homer, “ in the great work of 
building up Waterville, have at last met with a compen- 
sation which I cannot but feel is a just one. Taking it 
all and all, they are a grand lot of fellows, each one a 
study within himself; nevertheless, collectively a phalanx 
of strength.” 

“By the way,” he continued, “ it was my noble little 
wife, Virgie, that started the boom last spring. Sh^ 
learned in some mysterious way that a private school fund 
had been created for her special benefit, and in order to 
return the money, purchased the first lots that we had 
sold for months and months, and from that day the boom 
started, until now — well, you’ll have to see the place to 
realize the wonderful changes and improvements.” 


GRAY ROCKS. 247 

Hers,’' said Vance, “is certainly a sweet and noble 
character.” 

“Yes, indeed,” replied Winthrop, laughingly, “ I still 
think she is the most practical member of the Bohifield 
family.” 

“ Indeed,” said Vance, “ I remember the allusion, and 
I beg to assure you that my opinion remains unchanged 
in regard to Louise.” 

“I notice,” said Winthrop, “that our old acquaint- 
ance, J. Arthur Boast, has had quite a rise in the world 
— at the head of the Peacock mine, I understand.” 

“Yes,” replied Vance, while a sorrowful expression 
swept over his face^ “ I fear his rise preceeds a mighty 
fall. Gibbons and Casey have been arrested for the 
Grim murder, but have given bonds, and are waiting for 
their attorney, B. Webster Legal, and to use one of Steve 
Gibbons’ expressions, ‘ Things are liable to be sizzlin' hot 
for Boast before long. ’ ’ ’ 

“Why,” interrupted Winthrop, “you cannot mean — ” 

“Yes,” continued Vance, “ I do mean that J. Arthur 
Boast murdered Rufus Grim. I have the evidence. Hank 
Casey saw the act. ’ ’ 

“ Why, you astonish me! ” 

“Casey,” continued Vance, “was at first afraid to 
report the matter, nor did he until he went to Waterville. 
You were away at the time, and he confided to Mr. Don- 
ald. His own and Steve Gibbons’ long years of warfare 
with Grim over the Peacock, he was afraid, w^ould cause 
people to suspect them of the crime. He divined rightly. 
There is a great prejudice against both of them.” 

“I never was more surprised in my life! ” said Win- 


248 


GRA Y ROCKS, 


throp, and while I never liked the fellow, yet I had no 
idea he would commit murder.” 

The next day a warrant was issued for the arrest of J. 
Arthur Boast, charging him with the murder of Rufus 
Grim. A most diligent search was made, but the officer 
was unable to find him. His wife was in tears and pros- 
trated with grief, declaring she had no idea of his where- 
abouts. 

It was the morning before Thanksgiving that Vance 
received a certain letter. It was from Arthur Boast, and 
read as follows: 

AT Home. 

Dear Sir: 

Why I write to you above all others, is more than I can 
tell. An impulse, actuated by some wandering spirit from the 
regions of darkness and the damned, forces me to it. The things I 
want to do, I am unable to accomplish. The acts I loathe and 
abhor, I am made a cat’s-paw of to perform by some unknown 
impelling force. 

It may be that some men can shape their own destiny — mine 
has been shaped for me. 

I have never seen the time I did not fear you, and cannot re- 
member the time I did not hate and despise you. I sought 
your friendship for protection. When I needed your support, you 
turned against me. 

Rufus Grim was my evil genius in this life, and he is more 
unbearable dead than living. Every night since I murdered him 
— yes, it was I who did the deed — he has visited me in my dreams 
All night long he walks up and down my bed-room — back and 
forth — and curses me. Sometimes I pull the covers well over my 
head, and try to sleep, but he pulls them off and rubs his cold, 
clammy hands threateningly over my face. He has found out also 
that I robbed the stage coach and bribed the sheriff. 

I am tired of it all. I have not slept for ten nights. My brain 


GRA y ROCKS. 249 

is ou fire. You want vengeance, but I intend to cheat you — yes, 
I will cheat you — and in this way I find my only consolation. 

An hour ago my attorney came to my hiding-place, and told 
me the higher courts had reversed the decision. When this is 
known all Gold Bluff will turn against me. Bven now I can hear 
them hissing the words, Scoundrel! scoundrel! murderer! mur- 
derer! in tantalizing scorn. 

My ambition has always been to be wealthy. Now I am so 
poor that if I continued to live and was not hunted down and sent 
to prison, I would not even have a crust of bread to eat. 

Yes, Gibbons and Casey are now the owners of the Peacock 
mine — the higher courts have so decided. With their money, 
they’ll join you in persecuting me — but I’ll cheat them as well as 
you. Your longing for revenge shall not be satisfied. 

At the old prospect shaft on the Peacock, where I struck the 
fatal blow that hurled Rufus Grim into eternity, you will find all 
that remains of the persecuted, despised and hated 

J. Arthur Boast. 

To Vance Gieder. 

A search was at once made, and his lifeless body found 
near the old prospect shaft. A bullet wound in his tem- 
ple, and the weapon still clutched in 
his hand, told of the maniac’s suicide. 

The people of Gold Bluff were aston- 
ished at the rapidity with which 
history was being made. The sheriff 
was missing, and his absence gave color 
to Boast’s statement about the sheriff 
being an accomplice in the stage rob- 
bery. 

Casey and Gibbons, the multi-million- 
aires, and now the undisputed owners of the Peacock 
mine, were entirely vindicated by Boast’s letter, and not 



At the old sbajt, 


250 


GI^A Y ROCKS. 


a shadow of suspicion rested against them; indeed, the 
citizens of Gold Bluff suddenly remembered that Mr. 
Henry Casey and Stephen Gibbons, Esq., were most ex- 
cellent gentlemen. It was astonishing to find how many 
“ friends’* flocked around them to tender their congratu- 
lations. 

It was Thanksgiving night, and Vance, with the mem- 
bers of the Bonifield household, was seated before the 
open grate, where a cheerful fire burned brightly. They 
had been talking it all over, and the Colonel, in a sub- 
dued but satisfied way, thanked God that he had been 
permitted to live long enough to see a 
fulfillment of his life’s dream. Both 
Louise and Virgie were animated and 
happy, and Homer Winthrop had been 
dilating upon Waterville’s wonderful 
prosperity. 

Presently the door opened, and Aunt 
Sally came in. “Good evenin’, Mr. 

Gilder,” said she, in her rich Southern 
accent, “ I 'low this is the happiest day of our lives.” 

“Yes, indeed,” replied Vance, “we owe many apolo- 
gies to yonr brother for our seeming lack of confidence in 
Gray Rocks.” 

She looked at him quickly over her spectacles, and re- 
plied, “ Lack of confidence, Mr. Gilder? I’d like to know 
who lacked confidence in my brother Benjamin’s mine! 
Fo’ myself, I have believed from the first that Benjamin 
would strike it if I could only keep him workin’ away 
long enough.” 

Vance was non-plussed, and was about to reply, when 
the Colonel interposed. “ Yo’ see, suh,” said he, with a 



Casey and Gibbons, 


GRA Y ROCRS. 


251 


knowing twinkle in his eye, “ I have often obse’ved to 
yo’ that my sisteh is a most ext’ao’dina’y person; yes, 
suh, most ext’ao’dina’y indeed. She has been a powehful 
support to me, suh, in my effo’ts.” 

This seemed to partially pacify Aunt Sally. Presently 
she said, “I 'spect, Mr. Gilder, yo’ are thinkin’ ’bout a 
convehsation we had a few months ago in regard to 
sinkin’ the shaft. Of cou’se yo’ didn’t know how much 
strategy I had to resort to that I might keep Benjamin 
from getting disheartened. Of cou’se I won’t allow 
nobody to say anythin’ against my brother, but I ’low he 
is the coutrariest man livin’, I do indeed, suh. Time 
and again I have been fo’ced to pretend that I was oppos- 
in’ him, just to make him go on workin’ and sinkin’ that 
shaft, but at last it is all over with, and I’ve much to be 
thankful fo’ that I was spared so that I could keep on 
naggin’ at Benjamin and spurrin’ him up, until finally 
his effo’ts were rewa’ded.” Soon after, she embraced 
Louise and Virgie tenderly, and retired. 

AVhen she was gone, the Colonel looked up from the 
crackling fire, into which he had been gazing long and 
earnestly, and said, “I presume, Mr. Gilder, my sisteh 
is without question one of the greatest characters that 
ever lived, I do indeed, suh. I’m discoverin’, even to 
this day, new traits of superiority and strength in her. 
Indeed, suh, she is no o’diiia’y woman. Though bawn 
in the South, and possessin* in a high degree the very 
great refinement peculiar to our Southern ladies, yet at 
the same time her diplomacy in accomplishin’ great re- 
sults equals the shrewdest Nawthe’n Yankee. Indeed, 
suh, she is a most remarkable character; yes, suh, most 
rema’kable.” 


252 


GRA Y ROCKS, 


A little later Homer and Virgie retired, pleading weari- 
ness. “ Do you know,’* said Colonel Bonifield, looking 
up from the fire again, ‘‘since our great discovery was 
made, I seem to want to do all my sleeping in the 
mawnin’? ” 

“ Papa,” said Louise, ‘‘ is too busy thinking over and 
over again his great good fortune to get sleepy; but my! 
how late he does sleep in the morning! ” 

‘‘He has justly earned,” said Vance, ‘‘the rest he 
claims.’ 

‘‘Indeed he has,” replied Louise, approaching her 
father and pushing gently back his long white locks, 
‘‘you are my darling old papa,” she continued in a caress- 
ing wa}’, ‘‘and may sit up as late as you like, and sleep 
until noon every day if it is your wish.” 

‘‘ I’ll tell yo’, Mr. Gilder,’' said the Colonel, rising and 
standing before the fire, ‘‘ this little girl of mine is bound 
to spoil me; ^^es, suh; she always did humor me eveh 
since I can remembeh, and she is worse now than eveh 
bcfo*. Well, well, you’ll have to excuse me until I have 
another pipe of tobacco.” His elegant suit of black of the 
latest pattern added to his dignified appearance, and 
made a strange contrast, Vance thought, with the miner's 
garb he had worn for so many 3’ears. He pushed through 
the portieres that opened into the library, and Louise and 
Vance were left alone, for the first time since the rich 
discovery had been announced. 

A doubt came into Vance’s mind whether he was glad 
of it or not. Heretofore this noble girl whom he had 
loved so long and patiently had been in a measure de- 
pendent upon him — now she was an heiress. He fancied 
he detected a restraint in her conversation that was em- 


GRA V ROCKS. 


253 


barrassing. His own unworthiness rose up before him, 
and he was engulfed in the cowardice of a lover! What 
if she should 'refuse him? Cross-cutting into a pinched- 
out vein would be nothing in comparison with such a dis- 
appointment. Presently, at his request, she went to the 
piano, and sang for him. 



Such tender and sacred things of earth are sanctified in Heaven. 

She sang with far more feeling than ever before. Her 
heart was filled with a maiden’s dearest happiness — a 
deep, reciprocal, unspoken love of limitless depth. Yes, 
with the unerring divination of a woman, she knew that 


254 


GRA Y ROCKS, 


Vance’s love was wholly hers. There was a love song 
before her, and under its cover, she would declare her 
own without restraint. She sang with the rapture of a 
mountain thrush, in notes so rich, so innocent, so plain- 
tively low, so delightfully thrilling. 

Vance listened with bated breath. There are pleasures 
so keen as to be painful. “ I am so inferior to her, ’ he 
thought, with unselfish humility, “but to liv^e without 
her is impossible.” Finally she ceased playing and 
turned toward him with the music of her soul radiant 
upon her face. A momentary silence followed. 

“Louise,” said Vance, and there was a tremulous 
rhythm in his voice, notwithstanding he tried to crush it 
into naturalness, “ it may be news to you, but I can no 
more help loving you than I can help breathing.” He 
walked back and forth before the open grate. “ Please 
do not look away from me,” he went on, “as if I were 
so unworthy — I know that well enough. I would rather 
love you without hope than have the unselfish devotion 
of all the other women of the earth at my feet.” 

She had lifted her hands and covered her face. Her 
happiness was very great. She fears he would see it, 
yet he must know it, else she would be miserable. 

“What I have said,” Vance went on, “ may be noth- 
ing to you, but it is either life or death to me. To-mor- 
row I shall leave Gold Bluff for ever unless you wish me 
to remain.” Vance stood before the open grate still and 
motionless, and when she looked up, she saw his face was 
white as marble. She rose from the piano with tear- 
stained cheeks, flushing pink as La France roses with 
morning dew-drops upon them. She came forward a few 
steps, and then paused. Her golden wealth of hair 


G/^A V ROCKS. 


255 




reflected the forelight, and made a halo about her girlish 
face and form. Her full red lips were parted with the 
tender smile of youth, purity and love. She was think- 
ing, “I am certain of his love; I am sure of mine for 
him, and I will give myself entirely, yes, wholly into his 
keeping. With one hand over her beating heart, she 
held the other toward Vance. In a moment he was by 
her side, and raising her hand, pressed it passionately to 
his lips. In the deliciousness of love’s dream, he led her 
to a divan and seated himself beside her. His arms stole 
about her, her head rested on her breast, and there a 
devout lover’s afi^ction was sealed with love’s first kiss. 

A moment later the portieres parted, and in the door- 
way stood the Colonel. His long white hair fell back 
from his temples, and there was a look of gladness upon 
his countenance. He lifted up his face toward Heaven, 
and in tones that were scarcely audible, said: '‘Such 
tender and sacred things of earth are sanctified in 
Heaven.” 

Yes, again the Shuttle of Fate wove into the web of 
Destiny the better attributes of a manly man and the 
ennobling love of a gentle woman. 



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